By Thandie Chadzandiyani
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The former Malawi President Dr Joyce Banda, has been named Honorary Chair of the Women Empowerment & Development Society in Asia-Africa.
In a letter conveying the appointment, the Council & Diplomats committee of the Association stated that, Dr Banda’s choice as the Honorary Chair is hinged on her, “Outstanding achievement in the field of women development, capacity building and corporation.”
In her role as the Honorary Chair, the former Malawi leader will among other things, “lead discussions against, discrimination and limitations on women and girls; join forces with others against gender-based violence and abuse;
Support full and effective participation and equal opportunity for women and girls in leadership in all spheres of life – including the workplace; Ensuring all women and girls have access to quality learning, and: Sharing examples of real life women and girls who are making a difference every day.”
However She is also expected to “help Asian and African women improve their ability to adapt to the development of the times and enhance their social status through publicity and education on women development, academic exchanges and personnel training.”
Her unwavering commitment to the promotion of women’s maternal health and reproductive rights led her to establish the Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health and Safe Motherhood, which spearheaded the fight against high maternal mortality rates and the promotion of safe motherhood in Malawi.
Dr Banda is also an entrepreneur, an activist, and philanthropist. Prior to assuming office, she served as a Member of Parliament, Minister of Gender and Child Welfare, Foreign Minister, Vice President of the Republic of Malawi and also the first female President of this country.
JB ruled Malawi from 2012 to 2014