On April 7, 2012, founding member of the GLC Honorable Joyce Banda became the first-female president of Malawi, in an internationally-lauded democratic transition following the death of President Bingu Wa Mutharika. President Banda had previously served as vice-president of Malawi since 2009.
President Banda joins President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia – also a member of the Global Leaders Council – to become only the second female head of state in Africa.
President Banda has dedicated her career to advancing women’s rights in Malawi and around the world. In addition to her active role on the Global Leaders Council, she founded a microfinance network to aid rural women in accessing capital, and the Joyce Banda Foundation, which supports girls and women in continuing their education and starting businesses.
Read more about President Banda:
- The Guardian: Malawi’s Joyce Banda puts women’s rights at centre of new presidency
- Voice of America: Africa’s female presidents say they offer a different kind of leadership
Click here to watch video of President Banda speaking at a September 2011 meeting of the Global Leaders Council.
Follow the Global Leaders Council on Twitter at @GLCRHresolve.
