Speech by Vice President Dr Ansah At The International Women’s Day Hosted By Miss Malawi (07-03-26)

It is truly an honour and a joy to stand before you this morning as we commemorate International Women’s Day here at the Pearl Convention Center in Lilongwe.

Today is not just a celebration. It is a moment of reflection, a moment of encouragement, and a moment of awakening for every girl and every woman who believes that their life can become something meaningful and impactful.

Ladies and Gentlemen, when I look around this room, I see more than just an audience. I see the future of Malawi. I see teachers shaping minds, parents nurturing hope, and young girls carrying dreams that one day will change our nation.

Allow me today to share a story.

Many years ago, I was a young girl sitting in a classroom just like many of you here today. I attended Lilongwe Girls Secondary School. I wore the same uniform that many students across this country wear today. I sat in a classroom with my books and my classmates, and just like many of you, I had dreams.

But there was something special about that dream. It was a dream that only I could truly understand. It was a dream that sometimes would not even allow me to sleep. It kept whispering to me that my life could be more, that my story could go beyond the walls of the classroom I was sitting in.

At that time, I did not know exactly how that dream would unfold. What I knew was that I had to work hard.

Ladies and Gentlemen, today I stand before you as the Vice President of the Republic of Malawi. But let me be honest with you. The journey from that classroom at Lilongwe Girls to this office was not a straight road. There were many turns along the way. There were moments of doubt, moments of struggle, and moments when the road seemed long and uncertain.

But I held on to my dream. And I held on to my faith in God, whose infinite mercy guides our lives even when we do not fully understand the path ahead.

Through determination and discipline, that dream carried me to the University of Malawi. Later, it carried me across borders to the United Kingdom where I pursued further studies. It brought me back home where I had the honour of serving my country in the judiciary as a judge, presiding over matters that required integrity, courage, and wisdom.

Ladies and Gentlemen, today, by the grace of God and through the trust of the people of Malawi under the leadership of Arthur Peter Mutharika, I serve as Vice President of this beautiful nation.

His Excellency’s leadership and vision, as clearly articulated in the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Manifesto, places great emphasis on empowering women, strengthening education, and creating opportunities for young people to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development. It is a vision that recognises that when women rise, nations rise.

But this story is not only about my journey. It is about the power of dreams. It is about what happens when a young girl believes that her future is bigger than her present circumstances.

Recently, I had the privilege of meeting a young woman in my office whose story deeply moved and inspired me. Her name is Ms. Thandi Chisi, Miss Malawi 2025.

When she came to my office, we had a conversation about her journey. As she shared her story with me, I was deeply encouraged. I saw in her the same spirit of determination that drives many young women who refuse to allow their circumstances to define their destiny. I encouraged her to continue sharing her story because it is not just for her alone. It is meant to inspire others.

And that is why today she is here among us.

Ladies and Gentlemen, her crown is not just a symbol of beauty. It is a testament to hard work, discipline, and determination. Here is a young woman who studied at Likuni Girls Secondary School and achieved nine points in her Malawi School Certificate of Education. She continued her journey to the University of Malawi, Chancellor College, where she graduated with a degree with credit.

Today she stands not only as Miss Malawi, but also as the Executive Director of the Sustainable Fashion and Women Empowerment Organization.

That is what dreams achieved look like.

It begins with a girl sitting in a classroom, studying late into the night, believing that her efforts will one day bear fruit. And one day that same girl stands before the nation wearing a crown, not only of beauty but of discipline, perseverance, and purpose.

That is why today I want to speak especially to the young girls seated here.

Your dreams matter. The dreams you carry today may seem small, but they are seeds. Every great tree begins as a small seed waiting patiently for the right moment to grow.

Those seeds require work. They require determination, focus, and discipline.

Work hard in school. Respect your teachers. Listen to your parents. Value the sacrifices that people around you make for your future. Make every day count.

Make your parents proud. Make your teachers proud. And make Mother Malawi proud.

Because this nation is waiting for her daughters to rise.

Malawi needs women who are educated. Malawi needs women who are courageous. Malawi needs women who are innovators, leaders, judges, entrepreneurs, scientists, and decision makers.

Ladies and Gentlemen, today our country is home to more than 21 million citizens. Many of them are not physically here with us in this room today, but they are watching and listening through social media and other platforms carrying this beautiful event. They too are witnessing the power of young women who are ready to rise.

And I believe that the next generation of leaders of Malawi is seated in this very room.

One day, many years from now, one of the young girls sitting here today may stand on a stage like this, not as a student but as a leader of this nation. Perhaps as a judge. Perhaps as a minister. Perhaps even as the President of the Republic of Malawi.

And when that day comes, remember that every great journey begins with a dream.

Have the courage to dream. Have the discipline to work. And have the faith to believe that with God all things are possible.

As a government guided by the vision of His Excellency Arthur Peter Mutharika and the aspirations outlined in the DPP Manifesto, we remain committed to ensuring that every girl child in Malawi has the opportunity to learn, to grow, and to fulfil her potential.

Happy International Women’s Day.

May God bless you all.

And may God bless the Republic of Malawi.