Former President Dr Joyce Banda has urged Malawian women to embrace their strengths, support one another, and push beyond their limits.
Dr Banda made the remarks on Wednesday at the University of Malawi during the groundbreaking conference: “Women Research and Leadership in Higher Education,” which brought together influential women from across the country to share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs in the pursuit of academic excellence.
“We must break free from the shackles of societal expectations and forge our own paths. The future is ours to shape, and we must seize it with confidence and determination,” she said.
Also present at the event was the Vice-Chancellor of the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), Professor Address Malata, who presented a thought-provoking paper on the challenges women face in academia.
Malata’s analysis sparked discussions and debates as participants shared their experiences and strategies to overcome obstacles, from navigating gender bias to balancing work and family responsibilities.
One of the participants, Takondwa Jumbe from the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), commended the event, describing it as eye-opening, educative, and transformative.
“Hearing from such accomplished women has broadened my perspective and reignited my passion for leadership,” she said.
The conference was held under the theme “Breaking Barriers, Building Futures.”
By Telson Magombo
