By Jimmy Chazama:
Miss Malawi organisers on Saturday led the way in celebrating International Women’s Day which was Sunday by hosting a gathering that attracted several players including girls from secondary schools.
Held at Pearl Convention Centre in Lilongwe on Saturday, the event, which attracted the presence of Vice President Jane Ansah, brought excitement with secondary girls meeting mentors from governance, business, media, education, and creative sector.
Miss Malawi Thandie Chisi took the stage to call upon beauty contests in the country to evolve into cultural platforms for advocacy and empowerment.
“Previously, beauty pageants were only about glamour. We want them to be platforms for leadership and empowerment,” she said.
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Miss Malawi Chief Operations Officer and Women’s Day chairperson, Godfrey Kambewa, reinforced the shift saying Miss Malawi office is building a platform for young women to become leaders, advocates, and change-makers in their communities.
“Contestants are now evaluated on advocacy projects, community engagement, leadership potential, and intellectual contribution to national conversations. Beauty may open the door, but character, intelligence, and impact define the winner,” Kambewa said.
He further said that the crown is symbolic, but the real measure of success is the impact created during and after the reign.
Ansah hailed Miss Malawi saying she is a figure whose artistry lies not only in beauty but also in discipline and purpose.
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“Her crown is not just a symbol of beauty. It is a testament to hard work, discipline, and determination,” she said.
In a symbolic gesture, Miss Malawi organisers presented the Vice President with a gift of national wear with Ansah donating K1 million.
Gospel singer and guitarist Esther Chitheka Nkhoma, who performed at the event, hailed the organisers for hosting what she described as an inspiring event.
“This is a platform where girls and women have been encouraged to fulfill their dreams,” Nkhoma said.
More than 200 girls from schools across Lilongwe joined 50 beneficiaries of the Sustainable Fashion and Women Empowerment Initiative, a flagship project championed by Miss Malawi.
The initiative equips women with practical skills and opportunities to improve their livelihoods, showing how the crown is being used to create real impact.
Premier Bet, Pearl Convention Centre, Tavari Connect and Goshen City sponsored the event.
