Africa-Press – Malawi. Malawi has joined the rest of the world in commemorating the International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrated on the 8th March annually. This year, the IWD is commemorated under the theme ‘Break the Bias’ and Malawi will host an event to commemorate the day at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in the capital Lilongwe.
However, Malawi’s Women activists have highlighted some of the challenges women are facing in the country due to some cultural values the country follows.
Memory Chisenga, former director of Eye of the Child has lamented over cultural beliefs in some communities as the main factors contributing to the bias in societies.
The prominent Child Rights Activist said most women in African Countries face a lot of challenges as they are not considered equal to men. In an interview with Maravi Post, Chisenga revealed that she has encountered many Challenges including hatred and jealous for being in male dominated environment.
She disclosed that in her previous capacity, people were looking down on her because of being woman which many believed was a threat to men in the institution.
Chisenga also added that she encountered several challenges and she missed numerous opportunities because for refusing to be engaged in sexual activities with men in exchange with opportunities. She also highlighted being married woman and having to look after her family while in challenging career as a hiccup.
“I have faced so many Challenges in my career path, I have hit rock bottom just to find myself in this position in my career. All these only made me a strong woman as I focused on accomplishing my goals,” said Chisenga.
She also explained that she believes that there is no life without challenges and challenges build strong characters. She has further encouraged women to remain focused and believe in God and to never look down on themselves because of other people’s opinion.
Concurring with Chisenga, Malawi Broadcasting corporation (MBC) Editor, Doreen Sonani, said she has encountered many Challenges in her career as well simply because she is a women.
She disclosed that in her community, education for girl child was not considered important as they were poised for Marriage while boys were prepared for self reliance.
“I always trust myself, I have self confidence, I have always been a goal getter, Working towards bringing the best out of my capabilities.
“I believe everyone has what it takes to make it in life. The kills, knowledge, Ability, exposure and more. What is needed is to have confidence, Work hard and always aim high,” said Sonani
She has also urged all women to empowered one another inorder to break the barriers they encounter in pursuit of their goals. Commenting on the matter, women activist, Barbra Banda, said her career journey has also been a continuous journey of pitfalls.
She said societal influences has at several points slowed her from reaching her goals. Banda shared that she encountered challenges upon completing her Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) after she missed the opportunity of enrolling in one of public Universities.
“I learnt to always put my life into compartments, accepting disappoint and looking for options. I continued to work hard with every assignment I got involved in, upgrading my qualifications from business school.
“I have been in so many career spaces including junior administration, teaching at a polytechnic, sustainable development book author, trainer, coach, consultant, women’s rights activist, entrepreneur, and now I sit in several local and international boards” said Banda. She has also encouraged women to invest more in themselves and fulfilled their dreams regardless of the challenges. .
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