Speech By Vice President Dr Jane Ansah During World Day of Prayer (06-03-2026)

It is a great honour and privilege for me to join you today for this meaningful gathering as we observe the World Day of Prayer, a day that unites women across the world in faith, reflection, and hope.

This day reminds us of the extraordinary power of prayer, a power that transcends borders, cultures, and languages. It is a moment when women across nations stand together in solidarity, lifting their voices in prayer for peace, justice, healing, and a better future for all.

This year’s theme, prepared by our sisters from Nigeria, is profoundly moving: “I Will Give You Rest – Come.” The theme is drawn from the comforting words of our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 11:28–30, which say:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

These words speak directly to the realities of many women’s lives.

Across our communities, women carry many responsibilities. Women nurture families, sustain households, support livelihoods, guide children, care for the elderly, and serve communities. Often, they do this quietly, with strength, dedication, and love.

Yet behind this strength, many women also carry heavy burdens, burdens that are sometimes visible, but often invisible.

The theme for this year therefore offers an important reassurance. It reminds us that rest is not a sign of weakness.

Rest is renewal.
Rest is healing.
Rest is strength restored.

In a world that frequently demands more and more from women, this message encourages us to pause, to reflect, and to acknowledge the many sacrifices women make each day.

But this message also challenges us as a society.

True rest cannot exist where there is inequality, injustice, violence, or lack of opportunity. For women to truly experience the rest that Christ speaks of, we must work together to build a society where women feel safe, respected, valued, and empowered.

This vision is shared by the Government of Malawi under the leadership of His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika. Through the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Manifesto, government remains committed to promoting gender equality, protecting the rights of women and girls, and creating opportunities that enable women to contribute meaningfully to national development.

The DPP manifesto recognizes that women are not merely beneficiaries of development — they are drivers of development.

When women are empowered with education, access to economic opportunities, and protection from violence, they transform not only their own lives, but also the lives of their families and communities.

Indeed, when women are strengthened, families flourish.
When families flourish, communities prosper.
And when communities prosper, our nation thrives.

The World Day of Prayer beautifully demonstrates that unity has no borders. Women across continents may speak different languages and live in different circumstances, but we share common hopes — the hope for peace, the hope for dignity, the hope for justice, and the hope for a brighter future for our children.

Prayer therefore is not passive.

Prayer inspires courage.
Prayer nurtures hope.
Prayer strengthens communities.
Prayer reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles.

As we reflect on the words “I Will Give You Rest – Come,” may we hear the deeper invitation being extended to all of us.

An invitation to come and be renewed.

An invitation to come and be strengthened.

An invitation to come and become instruments of peace, compassion, and hope in our communities.

To the women gathered here today, mothers, daughters, leaders, and prayer warriors, allow me to say this:

Your strength matters.
Your prayers matter.
Your contributions to this nation matter.

Malawi continues to stand strong because of the resilience, faith, and dedication of its women.

As we continue to pray together today, may this theme bring comfort to the weary, courage to the discouraged, and renewed hope to every heart represented here.

May God bless you all.

May God bless the women of Malawi.

And may God bless the Republic of Malawi.

Thank you.