Joyce Banda appointed Africa-Asia Women’s group chair

By Deogratias Mmana

Women Empowerment and Development Society in Asia-Africa has appointed former president Joyce Banda as honorary chairperson.

The council and diplomats committee of the association cites Banda’s “outstanding achievements in the field of women development, capacity building and corporation” as one of the factors that swayed it to settle for her.

According to a statement from the former president’s office, Banda will lead discussions against discrimination and limitations imposed on women and girls, join forces with others in crusades against gender-based violence and abuse and support the participation of girls and women in leadership in all spheres of life.

She is also expected to ensure that women and girls have access to quality learning and share with them examples of real-life women and girls who are making a difference every day.

“She is also expected to help Asian and African women improve their ability to adapt to the development of the times and enhance their social status through publicity and education on women development, academic exchanges and personnel training,” a statement, which Banda’s media and public relations aide Arnold Mnelemba has signed, reads.

Banda served as president of Malawi from April 2012 to 2014.