Joyce Banda: A woman after my heart.
The year 2012, is only entered the second quarter, but in my heart, i have chosen the African woman and leader of the year.
She is no other than Joyce Banda, the President of Malawi.
The Malawian President is the second female leader of an African nation, a laudable achievement on a continent, where women's rights are still a mirage.
My choice is based on her courage and ultimate respect for fundamental human rights.
I knew very little of Madam President, before the death of the former Malawian President Bingu wa Mutharika, thrust the mantle of leadership of this African nation, into her Matriarchal warm hands.
Upon her swearing into office on Saturday, 7th April, as the President of the Republic of Malawi; the first woman to hold the office.
The Malawian President is the second female leader of an African nation, a laudable achievement on a continent, where women's rights are still a mirage.
My choice is based on her courage and ultimate respect for fundamental human rights.
I knew very little of Madam President, before the death of the former Malawian President Bingu wa Mutharika, thrust the mantle of leadership of this African nation, into her Matriarchal warm hands.
Upon her swearing into office on Saturday, 7th April, as the President of the Republic of Malawi; the first woman to hold the office.
I started to do some research on her life before this historical turn of events. I was impressed and intrigued by her accomplishments.
Born on 12 April 1950 as Joyce Hilda Ntila, She began her career as a secretary becoming, a well-known figure during the rule of dictator Kamuzu Banda, no relation to her.
Born on 12 April 1950 as Joyce Hilda Ntila, She began her career as a secretary becoming, a well-known figure during the rule of dictator Kamuzu Banda, no relation to her.
She has a Cambridge School Certificate, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education from Columbus University and a Diploma in Management received in Italy.
She has three children from her first marriage. By age 25, she was living in Nairobi, Kenya.
She has three children from her first marriage. By age 25, she was living in Nairobi, Kenya.
In 1975, a growing women's movement in Kenya provided Banda the spirit she needed to take her three children and leave what she has described as an abusive marriage.
Between 1985 and 1997 Banda managed and established various businesses and organizations including Ndekani Garments, (1985), Akajuwe Enterprises (1992), and Kalingidza Bakery (1995). Her success moved her to help other women achieve financial independence and break the cycles of abuse and poverty.
Joyce Banda entered Politics in 1999, She was made the Minister for Gender and Community Services
As a minister, she fought to enact the Domestic Violence Bill, which had failed for seven years previously. She designed the National Platform for Action on Orphans and Vulnerable Children and the Zero Tolerance Campaign Against Child Abuse.
On May 18, 2012, President Banda again showed great courage, By announcing her intention to overturn Malawi's ban on homosexual acts - the first African country to do so since 1994. Only second to South Africa.
The ignorance exhibited by many African governments on this sensitive issue, has been embarrassing to say the least.
On 26, January 2011, a Ugandan teacher and LGBT rights activist was murdered.
shortly after winning a lawsuit against a magazine that had published his name and photograph identifying him as gay and calling for him to be executed.
I recall signing a letter written by African Academics and Writers to the Ugandan President on his murder
Many Africans view homosexuality as an immoral Western import, and the continent is full of harsh homophobic laws
In a continent that is deeply religious, and a society that was built on being one's brother's keeper, you would think the issue of homosexuality would be treated with love rather than hateful pronunciations, and hypocritical righteous condemnation.
I have argued with many friends on the need to show love rather than condemnation on this matter.
The Nigerian Government is preparing to pass legislation that would criminalize Homosexuality
In northern Nigeria, gay men can face death by stoning. In Kenya, which is considered one of the more Westernized nations in Africa, gay people can be sentenced to years in prison, the same happens in Cameroun.
I am a firm believer of equal rights, which includes the rights of every adult to love another, irrespective of sexual orientation.
The golden rule "One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself' should apply in all our dealings with others.
We must love others as we love ourselves. Do not ALL the holy books say so.
Today October 4, 2012
Malawian President Joyce Banda has decided to cut her salary by 30% in support of her government's austerity measures.
Her decision reportedly takes her back to earning the salary she did while vice president. But she says this is the best strategy for the country's weak economy.
Between 1985 and 1997 Banda managed and established various businesses and organizations including Ndekani Garments, (1985), Akajuwe Enterprises (1992), and Kalingidza Bakery (1995). Her success moved her to help other women achieve financial independence and break the cycles of abuse and poverty.
Joyce Banda entered Politics in 1999, She was made the Minister for Gender and Community Services
As a minister, she fought to enact the Domestic Violence Bill, which had failed for seven years previously. She designed the National Platform for Action on Orphans and Vulnerable Children and the Zero Tolerance Campaign Against Child Abuse.
The ignorance exhibited by many African governments on this sensitive issue, has been embarrassing to say the least.
On 26, January 2011, a Ugandan teacher and LGBT rights activist was murdered.
shortly after winning a lawsuit against a magazine that had published his name and photograph identifying him as gay and calling for him to be executed.
Many Africans view homosexuality as an immoral Western import, and the continent is full of harsh homophobic laws
In a continent that is deeply religious, and a society that was built on being one's brother's keeper, you would think the issue of homosexuality would be treated with love rather than hateful pronunciations, and hypocritical righteous condemnation.
I have argued with many friends on the need to show love rather than condemnation on this matter.
The Nigerian Government is preparing to pass legislation that would criminalize Homosexuality
In northern Nigeria, gay men can face death by stoning. In Kenya, which is considered one of the more Westernized nations in Africa, gay people can be sentenced to years in prison, the same happens in Cameroun.
I am a firm believer of equal rights, which includes the rights of every adult to love another, irrespective of sexual orientation.
Today October 4, 2012
Malawian President Joyce Banda has decided to cut her salary by 30% in support of her government's austerity measures.
Her decision reportedly takes her back to earning the salary she did while vice president. But she says this is the best strategy for the country's weak economy.
"When I took over, the economy had almost collapsed. I told Malawians we needed to pass through difficult times," Ms. Banda said in an interview with Business Day Live. This woman rocks! All African leaders need to borrow pages from her book.
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