Joyce Banda named among most influential Africa female politicians
Former Malawi President Joyce Banda has yet again been named among 12 most powerful female politicians in Africa by the influential ‘African Leadership’ magazine.
The magazine notes that most African nations have not fully adopted democracy into their politics and women representation remains low, while men hold more political influence.
The publication says, however, some female politicians in Africa have been exceptionally influential, including being presidents, such as Joyce Banda and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia.
According to the magazine, after taking office in April 2012, President Joyce Banda quickly made her stake as a leader dedicated to national unity. She has for long been involved in a variety of grassroots initiatives, including those aimed at aiding orphans, providing development opportunities for women, combating hunger, and much more.
“During her term, she sold a US$15 million presidential jet, reduced her salary by 30 percent and dismissed the entire cabinet due to corruption allegations.
“These austerity measures significantly reduced government expenditure. Western nations and International Monetary Fund lifted monetary sanctions on the Southern Africa nation during her term in power,” reports the African Leadership magazine.
Between 2014 and 2015, Banda has received nine (9) International Awards, including being named as the ‘Most Inspirational Woman in Politics’ by CNN. She has received the ‘Legacy Award’from the International Women’s Forum; the African Union (AU) ‘Living Legends’ Award; and the ‘Women of Distinction’ Award from Celebrating Women International of The Bahamas.
Last week, the Professional Women’s Network (PROWNET) in Malawi also recognized former President Banda as being among Malawi’s ‘Women of Distinction’.
Other African women politicians recognized by the African Leadership magazine alongside Banda and Johnson Sirleaf include Ngozi Iweala Okonji who served two terms as Minister of Finance in Nigeria, from 2003 until May, 2015; Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson African Union Commission; Lindiwe Mazibuko, former Parliamentary Leader for the Democratic Alliance, South Africa; Speciosa Wandira-Kazibwe, United Nations Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa and Fatou Bensouda (Gambia), Chief Prosecutor for the International Criminal Court since June 2012
The magazine also recognised Thuli Madonsela, Public Protector, South Africa; Joice Mujuru, former Vice President of Zimbabwe; Samia Suluhu Hassan, Vice-President of Tanzania; Martha Karua, politician and one of the firstKenyan female legislators; and Hanna Tetteh, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ghana.
Awa are making up stories. What if the whole thing is staged to get sympathy? Mukuthawa chani?
The West (Europe) especially the UK,are,restlessly trying to groom JB to return to Malawi for another bid to become the President of Malawi once again.My question is,what crime was she entangled in hence living in self-imposed exile? However,her stay in exile makes Malawians think twice.There is this Frankenstein’s monster “CASHGATE SCANDAL” in which some Malawians ponder she was involved and that could be the reason why she is avoiding to go back to her father land.It is therefore premature to cock praises on her.The leader of Liberia President Sirleaf,deserves unlimited praises for her brilliant leadership to lead the country which… Read more »
Congratulations mama, we miss you and we love you. May you stay blessed mama JB
Nanga osabwera kumudzi bwa? Kuthawa cash gate
By not voting for JB, Malawi decided to go the path of self-destruction.
Tammambwerani mudzacotse citosi cinakukanililanici. Umboni simunaperekebe. Gsalu mukuti mpitalayu Mesa dzana amati October muubwera .uno epulo. Kupusa etimndondoli same. Life solo akupaysa uplezdent Ku SA amukusetekswo life xingstikhudze? In munathawsa mnfuwu eanu omwe. Kuthawa cithuzithuzi cako comes.kkkkkkkk
Mama please come home ngombe yayimuna yakanika kukoka ngolo.
She devalued the Malawi Kwacha currency and run away from its consequences. Meanwhile she is hiding in America or Europe. Whites are busy licking her ass as the most influential bla bla bla woman!
She is really a woman of substance. Some coined an adage which said ”ngombe yayikazi sikoka ngola” but ironically she pulled far muchbetter than the current bull.
Influential does not necessarily mean good,better or best.