Back in the days, only a few women in Malawi made significant progress in different sectors like political and economical due to reasons like limited education access, economic constraints and social expectations among others. Their stories and achievements do deserve recognition and celebration up to date. Luckily, most women nowadays are continuing to excel in their careers in most sectors including those said to be male-dominated by looking at how women in history overcame challenges and brought modern solutions.
The achievements and impact of women in Malawi's history and society is well known and still used as examples in communities, schools, youth clubs and testimonies (as an inspiration). We have notable women in various sectors who gave a picture that women also have the power to make major changes not only in a community but a country as a whole. For instance, women like Rose Chibambo, who was a freedom fighter and politician, Anastasia Msosa, the first female judge of the High Court, Edda Chitalo, the first female MP and Vera Chirwa, the first female lawyer and civil rights activist; just to mention a few. These women demonstrated bravery and paved the way for female empowerment in the country, despite being considered powerless and often looked down upon. Today, the situation has improved.
Today’s world, women are seen to be continuing the legacy and progress of those women in history in different ways and categories. In other words, these women are building on the foundation laid by their predecessors. Good examples of some of these contemporary women making a difference in Malawi include, Dr. Joyce Banda, the founder of Joyce Banda Foundation and the first Malawian female president, Gertrude Mutharika, politician and women's rights champion (also the Former First Lady), Ellen Chilemba, entrepreneur and education advocate, and Tadala Chinkwezule, healthcare worker and community leader.
As much as obstacles which hinder women in Malawi are still there like gender-based violence, limited access to education and healthcare, economic inequality and discrimination; efforts are being made to address these challenges and promote gender equality across the country. There are many organisations and institutions, both governmental and private, providing training and programmes as well as fighting for women to be heard and providing solutions and platforms. Organisations like Girl Empowerment Network Malawi and Ukani Malawi. Many women, both young and old, have and are still benefiting from these training and they are acting as role models to others aspiring to be like them and those in history.
The achievements and contributions of women in Malawi's history and present in sectors like political, education, economical and health are to be celebrated and never to be forgotten.
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