Women's Coalition Against Cancer

Background

WOCACA - WHO WE ARE

The Women’s Coalition against Cancer (WOCACA) is a women- and girl-led, non-profit, non-governmental organization established on 20 May 2013 under the Trustees Incorporation Act (Cap 5.03) of the Laws of Malawi. WOCACA is a registered member of the Council for Non-Governmental Organizations in Malawi (CONGOMA) and is also duly accredited by the NGO Regulatory Authority (NGORA).

WOCACA was founded by women and girls directly and indirectly affected by cancers, particularly reproductive cancers, which are among the leading causes of death among women and girls in globally including Malawi. Recognizing the disproportionate burden faced by rural communities where access to cancer information, healthcare services, and timely treatment is limited, WOCACA is committed to transforming cancer care and awareness in Malawi.

Thematic Areas

Projects

Districts of Impact

Number of population reached

Our Guiding Principles

Our guiding principles provide a framework that guides our approach to what we do, how we work with others, and how we measure success.

01 Our Vision

A cancer-free society enjoyed by all women, girls, and their families.
02 Our Mission

To prevent and control cancer through advocacy, awareness campaigns, education, training, networking, screening, counseling, and timely treatment and patient support targeting women and girls in rural areas.
03 Our Core Values

Awareness: Raising knowledge for informed decisions.
Diversity and Inclusion: Empowering every woman and girl.
Education: Sharing accurate, reliable information.
Commitment and Passion: Serving with dedication.
Collaboration: Partnering for greater impact.

Thematic Areas

Organization Focus Areas

Mobilization, Awareness, and Education

WOCACA focuses on mobilizing communities and raising awareness about Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), reproductive cancers, other Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), access to medicine, and alcohol and tobacco control. By organizing campaigns, events, and educational initiatives, WOCACA aims to engage and empower individuals to take informed actions towards better health outcomes.

Screening and Treatment

WOCACA prioritizes the importance of early detection and timely treatment of reproductive cancers and other NCDs. By advocating for and promoting screening programs, access to quality healthcare services, and appropriate treatment options, WOCACA strives to improve health outcomes for affected individuals and communities.

Advocacy and Training

WOCACA emphasizes the significance of education and training in empowering individuals and communities. Through informative workshops, training sessions, and educational materials, WOCACA equips patients, healthcare providers, community leaders, individuals and communities with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote SRHR, prevent reproductive cancers and NCDs, and ensure effective care.

Patient Advocacy, Care, and Support

WOCACA places a strong emphasis on patient advocacy, care, and support. It focuses on empowering and supporting patients and communities affected by reproductive cancers and other NCDs by providing information, a care and a support network. WOCACA strives to ensure that patients receive the necessary emotional, practical, and medical support they need throughout their journey.

Partnership and Collaboration

WOCACA recognizes the value of partnership and collaboration in achieving its goals. It actively seeks to collaborate with local, national, regional, and international organizations, healthcare providers, government agencies, communities, and other stakeholders. By fostering partnerships, WOCACA aims to combine expertise, resources, and networks to create sustainable and impactful solutions.

OBJECTIVES

OUR OBJECTIVES

Equitable Access

Promote equitable access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and care for reproductive cancers and other Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) for marginalized women and girls.

Enhance Capacity of Duty Bearers

In partnership with government relevant ministries train duty bearers including policy makers to provide quality SRHR and cancer - related services.

Collaboration

Partner with government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to improve healthcare access and delivery to ensure rural women and girls have access to quality SRHR, reproductive cancer, and NCDs (Non-Communicable Diseases) services.

Community Mobilization

Enhance awareness and mobilization efforts for cancer prevention and NCD management.

Advocate for Policy Reforms

Promote reforms in policy and legal frameworks related to SRHR, reproductive cancers, and NCDs to ensure human rights are upheld for women and girls.

Promote Networking and Information Exchange

Facilitate the exchange of best practices and collaboration at local, national, regional, and international levels on issues related to SRHR, cancer prevention, NCDs, access to medicine, alcohol and tobacco control.

Promote Healthy Living

Promote healthy eating and active living through comprehensive education campaigns on nutrition, cancer prevention, the harmful effects of tobacco and alcohol, and the importance of physical exercise to enhance individual health and wellness.

Patient Support, Advocacy and Awareness

Promote greater public awareness of cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment options, highlighting the wide-ranging effects of cancer while providing reliable information, counselling and support to empower women and girls affected by cancer."

DISTRICTS OF IMPACT

Impact Areas in Malawi

WOCACA operates in all four regions of Malawi, and currently works the following districts:

Northern Region:

- Karonga
- Nkhata-Bay
- Mzimba

Central Region:

- Lilongwe Rural
- Nkhota-Kota
- Ntcheu

Southern Region:

- Chikwawa

Eastern Region:

- Mangochi
- Balaka
- Machinga

Networking Partners

Networking and Collaboration

WOCACA partners with various organizations to enhance its reach and effectiveness. Key memberships include:

WOCACA currently serves as the Secretariat for the Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance (NCDs Alliance Malawi), emphasizing its leadership role in coordinating and supporting multi-sectoral efforts to address NCDs. Through this position, WOCACA drives advocacy, capacity building, and collaborative engagements with People Living with NCDs and stakeholders to ensure equitable and effective healthcare services for all.

WOCACA'S COLLABORATION WITH GOVERNMENT

Collaboration with Government

WOCACA maintains a strong and collaborative working relationship with the Government of Malawi, particularly through the Ministry of Health, actively contributing to national efforts to address cancer and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This partnership is reinforced by WOCACA’s membership and participation in several key government technical committees, including:

National Technical Working Group on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccinations: Providing input to strategies for effective HPV vaccination rollouts to prevent cervical cancer.
National Technical Working Group on Non-Communicable Diseases: Contributing to the development and implementation of policies addressing the growing burden of NCDs in Malawi.
Steering Committee for the Malawi National Cancer Control Plan: Supporting the design, execution, and monitoring of Malawi’s comprehensive cancer control strategy.
National Cancer Advisory Committee: Advising on national priorities and best practices for cancer prevention, treatment, and care.
Global Week for Action on NCDs (GW4A) Steering Committee: Promoting advocacy and awareness initiatives aligned with global campaigns to tackle NCDs.
Cervical Cancer Prevention (CECAP) Steering Committee: Collaborating on efforts to strengthen cervical cancer prevention, including awareness, screening, and treatment programs.

Testimonials

Phalesi Wajomba - Women Group Cancer Chairperson

Chikwawa-2025

“Before attending WOCACA’s awareness sessions, I didn’t know much about the dangers of cervical cancer. Now I understand the symptoms, prevention methods, and where to get help. This knowledge has changed my life and my family’s life.”

Brenda Banda - HSA

Kabudula-2025

“Through the training from WOCACA, I have learned effective ways to communicate with patients about screening and prevention. This has helped us reach more women in the community, especially those who rarely visit health facilities.”

Mercy Banda

Kabudula 2019

"WOCACA is really doing great work to support women and girls in educating them on cervical cancer. I have now more information which I will share with my communities. "

Mai Kawonga

Lilongwe 2020

"Keep it up WOCACA, wish you covered more areas to save women and girls from dying of cervical and breast cancers."

Chief AB

Kasoba Vg - Karonga

"Thank you WOCACA for mobilizing and sensitizing women and girls on cervical cancer. We have been privileged as communities to hear and learn about this cancer which is killing our women and girls. On behalf of the Chiefs in my area of Kasoba I support you"

Call To Action

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WOCACA IN PICTURES

Collection of our photos

Maud Mwakasungula 3rd from both left and right with some of the panelists on Women and NCDs session at Women Deliver 2023 in Kigali Rwanda

Advocacy for Cervical Cancer Elimination through Knowledge Dissemination and Screening Services Meeting a project With the support of and in partnership with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)

Women’s Coalition Against Cancer - (WOCACA) donated 85 reusable colostomy bags to the Malawi National Cancer Centre at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe. This initiative is part of WOCACA's commitment to enhancing care and support for cancer patients.

WOCACA on Blue Hat, Bow Tie awareness on Colorectal cancera as part of global call to action aimed at raising awareness about colorectal cancer and highlighting the importance of early detection through regular screening.

Increased Access to Cervical Cancer Project

Cervical cancer Awareness campaign at Chimbiya Health Post, Ngokwe , Machinga

Health Champions, Phimbi Health Facility, Balaka district.

Training of Health Champions at Ngokwe Health Facility Machinga district

WOCACA being part of the local launch of the WHO Global Cervical Cancer Strategy

Rural women around Nsaru being sensitized on Cervical cancer

WOCACA has being mobilizing and sensitizing women and girls on Cervical Cancer and other NCDs in rural areas.

Maud Mwakasungula (ED) speaking during 2024 Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

WOCACA Host WE CAN Cervical Cancer Africa Meeting

From left Anna Cabanes, Global Focus on Cancer, USA, Maud Mwakasungula, Women’s Coalition Against Cancer ( WOCACA), Precious Makondi, MD, Kamazu Central Hospital, National Cancer Center, Malawi (Member, ASCO International Affairs Committee), Julie Gralo

Women from Kabudula communities being sensitized on cervical cancer

WOCACA Host WE CAN Cervical Cancer Africa Meeting

Training of Health Champions at Namanja Health Facility Machinga district.

Cervical cancer Support group Nandumbo Health Facility

Mrs. Maud Mwakisungula, WOCACA Executive Director, engages Sunbird female staff on breast cancer awareness during the Sunbird Ladies Wellness Day.

WOCACA and BCCF conducted a Breast Cancer Awareness Training in Chikwawa with members of Tikondane Women’s Group Cancer, empowering survivors to become community health educators.

WOCACA and AA Youth organized the World Alcohol-Free Day 2025 celebration at Masintha Ground, promoting sober living under the theme “Enjoy More.”.

WOCACA joins the Global community in Breast Cancer Awareness Month Campaign.

WOCACA collaborates with Tikondane Women Group Cancer on Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action 2025 in Chikwawa Distict

WOCACA collaborates with Tikondane Women Group Cancer on Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action 2024 in Chikwawa Distict

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Governance and Management

WOCACA is governed by a Board of Directors that provides strategic direction and oversight. The day-to-day operations are managed by a dedicated Secretariat led by the Executive Director, supported by a professional management team.