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Hajira, 21, lives near Zomba, the former capital of Malawi, in the southern region of the country. When she was finishing elementary school, both Hajira's parents got sick and as the oldest girl, she had to take care of them. When they died, she had to drop out of school to raise her four younger siblings. Today, Hajira is married and has three children of her own to raise.

One day, as she was walking past the local health clinic, she saw a woman helping lay the tile on the roof. Hajira was inspired to see this woman working alongside a male crew and wondered how she could learn more.

Through a youth club, she found out that a UN-sponsored program run by a local organization called DAPP was offering vocational training for young people who missed out on elementary school education. She applied, was accepted, and is now completing her studies in the male-dominated field of carpentry.

Hajira is motivated to be a successful carpenter so she can make sure her three children have the chance to finish school. And how does her husband feel about her new career since it’s not a typical path for a Malawian woman? “He’s fine with my choice and sees that this will help us provide for our children,” Hajira says.

When she finishes her carpentry course, rather than immediately opening her shop, Hajira plans to first do a survey of other carpenters in her area to see what they currently produce, what they do well, and what mistakes they make. That way, she can target her products correctly and avoid pitfalls that could be damaging for a new business.

Thoughtful, multi-tasking and trailblazing: Hajira is truly a successful businesswoman in the making!