Challenge accepted: Malawian Women on the Move
In the spirit of women’s month 2021, it is a pleasure to highlight some trailblazing women in Malawi who are making some serious personal and career moves through further education and entrepreneurial ventures. In the past 5 years, Malawi has seen some women take on leadership roles and positions in the private and public sectors. However, there still is more to be done in ensuring women in Malawi are taking on more positions of power in their respective industries. A recent study in 2020, further highlighted by the World Bank, found that Africa leads the world in terms of numbers of women business owners, and that women make up 58% in the continents self-employed population. Furthermore, there is a need to eliminate Gender disparities in business performance in Africa and supporting women owned businesses. Let’s highlight some Malawian women who are making moves in journalism, media and public relations:
Meet Deliby Chimbalu, a public relations professional, a Chevening scholar 2020, and a Chartered Institute of Marketing certified marketer.
TS: Deliby, quite a few interesting 6 or 7 months you have had. You became a Chevening scholar and a CIM postgraduate award winner. PR is an interesting sector, why did you decide to trade your talents in this particular sector? What is your ultimate career goal?
DC: Well, it has been really an exciting and fulfilling year despite the COVID 19 pandemic challenges. Finishing my CIM qualification studies and winning the Chevening Scholarship were the best highlights of 2020 for me. I have always had an interest in media and communications, especially after completing my Bachelor’s Degree in Arts Humanities (English language major) which helped me to launch my career in public relations. After graduating from CHANCO, I got a job as a reporter for the then Television Malawi (TVM), before it merged with Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC). That job helped me to build my skills in creative writing and editing (script editing) which are essential skills required for any PR and communications person.
After working for MBC for some years, I joined Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) where I am currently working as a manager for Public Relations. Being on this position has taught me quite a lot. At some point, I felt lacking in my skills, and that’s the whole reason why I decided to enroll for a marketing course with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) to complement my skills, and to gain vast knowledge in marketing, public relations and communications. Honestly, these things are somewhat related (laughs).
CIM has several qualifications, so I started from the certificate level till the level I reached last year, when I finished level 7 which is the Postgraduate Diploma in professional marketing. My goal now is to be granted the status of Chartered Marketer, so much more work to be done as the journey continues (laughs).
TS: How can Malawian women challenge the professional landscape in the marketing industry in Malawi and take on leadership roles and positions?
DC: Taking up leadership roles in any field requires one to have the expertise, the right qualifications as well as passion. I firmly believe that one should love what they do. So women who are in PR, marketing and communications can challenge the professional landscapes in these fields if they sharpen their skills, are results driven, creative, open to new ideas, if they are willing to learn and accommodate opposing views and most importantly, if they are passionate about their jobs. Staying focused, knowing what you are doing; being able to produce results and thinking outside the box can give women the power to overcome whatever challenges they may face in their professional lives.
TS: Congratulations on the Chevening award! How many times did you apply? You accepted the challenge and decided to move forward, but how did you handle rejection when some opportunities were not presented to you? And finally, what does Women’s month mean to you personally? Zikomo.
DC: Oh well, my Chevening journey started in 2016 when I first attempted to apply for the scholarship for postgraduate studies. Sadly, I was not successful because I did it casually without doing thorough research on the application process. I never lost hope (laughs). So in 2017, I decided not to reapply, but after being encouraged by some alumni in 2018, I decided to give it another shot. This time around I was really prepared; I did my research and found someone who was mentoring me on the application essays. Sadly, I got rejected and missed the shortlist again that year. I was frustrated and I almost gave up, thinking that maybe this is not for me.
So in 2019, I started looking for other scholarship opportunities, I totally ruled out Chevening because of the unsuccessful experience I had. So I tried applying for the commonwealth and Fulbright scholarships. But something told me to resubmit my application to Chevening once more, so I did. Luckily enough, I was shortlisted for the interviews! I couldn’t believe it (laughs). Meanwhile, I also received news that I had been shortlisted for interviews for the Fulbright scholarship. 2020 was my year! After the interviews, I was then awarded the Chevening Scholarship which enabled me to pursue a Master of Science Degree in Strategic Public Relations and Communication Management at the University of Stirling in Scotland.
It has been quite a journey for me, one that has taught me to be patient and that everything has its own time. I never gave up on my Chevening dream, imagine if I did. Allow me to acknowledge the support and encouragement from my husband, who pushed me to reapply in 2019. He has also been behind my CIM journey, cheering me on.
As a professional woman in Malawi, it is important to have a clear career direction and continue breaking barriers to achieve gender equity. It is my prayer to see other women thrive in Malawi.
https://www.kulinji.com/article/development/2020/eight-malawians-uk-chevening-scholarships
https://www.facebook.com/ukinmalawi/photos/a.146202882154736/3035424483232547/?type=3&app=fbl
Meet Yvonne Akonda Sundu, renowned journalist with Nation Publications Limited, a communications specialist, and winner of the Chevening Africa Media Freedom Fellowship 2020.
TS: Yvonne, first let’s address the elephant in the room, which is women restrictions and discrimination in the journalism industry. Do you feel that the journalism landscape has changed for the better in Malawi? What is your personal ultimate goal as a female journalism professional in Malawi?
YS: There has been positive change when you compare with what was happening in the past, especially in the ‘‘one party rule’’ era. Things have changed over the years, but still, few women are taking up decision making roles and positions in the media industry. One can literally count the women who are editors or in senior roles and positions, despite an increase in media houses.
TS: I think breaking such barriers is through continuous learning and hard work to realize such a dream. How does winning such prestigious awards as the Chevening media freedom award encourage young women in Malawi to pursue a career in journalism? Do you personally have thoughts of starting a media consultancy firm of your own?
YS: My ultimate goal is to become a media house owner; a radio station dedicated to civic education targeting Malawians in the rural areas. It’s all about ambition as the driving force behind your dreams. Being the first female journalist from these parts to get that recognition, I am encouraged to push myself and others to strive for excellence. My motto is to keep trying despite facing failure(s) along the way.
TS: You accepted the challenge and decided to move forward, but how did you handle rejection when some opportunities were not presented to you? And finally, what does Women’s month mean to you personally? Asante sana.
YS: I have tried so many times. My motto to always keep trying when opportunities present themselves guides me every day. I handle rejection well that way because I try my best to succeed. Also, I make the best of any given opportunity. Women’s month reminds me that women should be appreciated and recognized every day. Times are changing and women are doing remarkable things often. It also reminds me that us women should do more and be more. I look forward to a better Malawi and a better world where women and girls can live freely in a safe environment where they can become whatever they desire to be.
https://www.facebook.com/101098433331848/posts/3100153320092996/?app=fbl
https://www.chevening.org/fellowship/camff/
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