Malawi ex-president  Joyce Banda joins Center for Global Development, Woodrow Wilson Center

Former President of Malawi Joyce Banda has joined the Center for Global Development and the Woodrow Wilson Center as a distinguished visiting fellow and distinguished Fellow respectively.

President Banda’s research will focus on women’s political leadership, girls’ education, and maternal and reproductive health.

“President Banda’s commitment to women’s political involvement as well as her work to improve maternal health in Africa is inspiring,” said Todd Moss, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Fellow at CGD.

“We look forward to drawing upon her insights and expertise as we continue our work to reduce global poverty and inequality for all people.”

“President Banda has a remarkable record of promoting women’s leadership at all levels in Africa,” said Andrew Selee, Executive Vice President of the Wilson Center.

“Her perspective and leadership will provide invaluable contributions to the Wilson Center’s work on women’s political leadership and maternal health.”

President Banda served as the Head of State in Malawi from 2012 to 2014, and previously served as Malawi’s Vice President, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister for Gender, Children’s Affairs, and Community Services, and as a member of Malawi’s parliament.

She is the founder of the Joyce Banda Foundation International, which works to empower women and improve access to education in Malawi, and in 2014, President Banda was named the most powerful woman in Africa.