Executive Director for Creative Centre for Community Mobilisation (CRECCOM), Alinafe Chibwana, says there is need for government and relevant stakeholders to deploy strategies that can empower to take up leadership roles at different levels.
Chibwana said this on Thursday at CRECCOMEX Hall in Zomba during a Bwalo la Amayi 2026 Anakubala Conference organised by Chanco Community Radio where participants were trained in business management and economic empowerment, leadership, gender-based violence, environmental management as well as mental health.
Chibwana said there is also need to continuously bring awareness campaigns to trigger mindset change about the role of women in the society especially in rural settings.
“There are a lot of stereotypes and cultural beliefs that hinder women from leading and when the need arises to choose a leader, women are often looked down on because of such beliefs,” explained Chabwera.
Managing Director for The Village @ Mandevu Farm, Meya Kalindekafe, stressed that it is important for women to be supported in business ventures especially by their partners if the country is to have more financially independent households.
“If a family is doing a joint business, then they have to do it transparently. If, however, that is not the case, then there still has to be better communication between the spouses because this ensures unwavering support as well as preventing doubting each other,” stated Kalindekafe.
Station Manager for Chanco Community Radio, Gracious Mulinga, said the station will continue to use the power of radio to empower women and impart knowledge and skills in personal, community and national development especially now as the country is working towards achieving Malawi 2063.
“When we empower women to be financially independent, we also help in minimising some of the challenges that come as a result of lack of money such as destroying the environment and gender-based violence,” explained Mulinga.
One of the participants at the conference, Madalo Thomas Elefasiyo, hailed the workshop, saying she has learnt how she can manage and improve her mandasi business by having a proper business plan and keeping records.
The cross-section of the speakers included Chimwemwe Chimasula from the Women’s Legal Resources Center (WOLREC); the Zomba District Forestry Officer, Ida Mkwezalamba; and Margaret Nyalugwe Memayako, a psychosocial counsellor at the University of Malawi.
