An African woman carries heavy loads anyway. That's how we are trained; we are brought up that nothing is unbearable. I use that now, positively. I use that now to have the thick skin that I have, and not fear, and move forward, and push; and push forward. Joyce Banda africanbringcarry share on social
But the fact that we had to devalue by 40% at once means that Malawians are feeling the shock, the impact of that huge devaluation and particularly rural people, the poor are the ones that are going to be most affected. That is why there is the austerity plan. Joyce Banda affectausteritydevaluation share on social
My father once told me when I was a young girl that I was destined to do great things. His belief in my abilities and ambition is rooted deeply in the spirit of Malawians; resilient and determined for a better Malawi and a better Africa. Joyce Banda abilityafricaambition share on social
I prospered very quickly. Very quickly, I became politically empowered. I was running my own business. Joyce Banda businessempowerpolitically Change image and share on social
When I gave birth to my fourth child, I suffered from post partum hemorrhaging. I almost lost my life. I was lucky to be under the care of trained health care personnel. I started wondering then what was happening to women in rural villages. Joyce Banda birthcarechild share on social
I convinced myself economic empowerment of women was going to be key, especially in a country like this where most women didn't go to school. Joyce Banda convincecountryeconomic Change image and share on social
I have always said that I want Malawi to attain growth that should not just be seen in GDP, but in the growth of opportunities for all, protection for all, and equality for all. Joyce Banda attainequalitygdp Change image and share on social
My vision is a Malawi where men and women live in peace and in harmony as equals enjoying their human rights. Joyce Banda enjoyequalharmony Change image and share on social
I am convening the African Leaders Forum on Disability in partnership with Special Olympics so that a marginalized population long unrecognized does not remain in the shadows. I consider this a critical, moral and practical challenge. Joyce Banda africanchallengeconven share on social