Joyce Banda honoured with two international awards at UN General Assembly in New York

Malawi’s fourth president, Dr Joyce Banda, received two international awards on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, in recognition of her work on women’s leadership and access to higher education.

The awards were presented at separate ceremonies on Wednesday, 24 September, held at 777 United Nations Plaza and the 959 Residents Lounge. Banda, who remains Malawi’s only female head of state to date, was recognised as a trailblazer in African politics and champion for women’s rights and social justice.

Justina Mutale, one of the event’s organisers, praised what she described as Banda’s transformative leadership, citing her commitment to empowering marginalised communities and addressing issues including poverty, education and healthcare.

In her acceptance remarks, Banda said the recognition reflected more than four decades of work.

“I accept the Awards with profound humility and gratitude, and that for me they signify a great recognition of the work I have been doing for over four decades, work rooted in a simple belief that we must uplift the poor, empower women, and give young people a chance to dream,” she said.

At a second ceremony, Banda was presented with the SOS Global Servant, Leader for Peace Award, recognising her contribution to advancing higher education opportunities for women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as artificial intelligence and business administration.

The award relates to work carried out through the Joyce Banda Foundation International, which, in partnership with the Nekotech Foundation, has sponsored 31 Malawians to complete master’s degrees in the United States.

The foundation has said it now intends to expand the scheme to support 100 students pursuing science-related postgraduate qualifications.