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Joyce Banda
Becoming Malawi’s first woman president, serving from 2012 to 2014.
Business women’s association · Joyce Banda Foundation
- Born
- 12 April 1950
- Birthplace
- Malemia, Malawi
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Joyce Banda is a Malawian politician and advocate for women’s economic independence. She rose from business and community organising to the vice-presidency, then succeeded Bingu wa Mutharika as president.
Early life
Malemia childhood
Her father was a musician in the police brass band.
Early work
Attended Providence Secondary School and began working as a secretary.
Career
- 1999
Parliament
Won election to Malawi’s National Assembly.
- 2004–2006
Cabinet
Served as gender minister before becoming foreign minister.
- 2009
Vice-president
Won office on Bingu wa Mutharika’s ticket.
- 2012–2014
President
Succeeded him after his death; her term was damaged by the Cashgate public-funds scandal.
Public initiatives
Business women’s association
Founded an organisation supporting women in business.
Joyce Banda Foundation
Established a foundation working on education and community development.
Domestic violence legislation
Promoted legal protection against domestic violence as gender minister.
Beyond work
Personal turning point
Has described leaving an abusive first marriage as central to her advocacy for women.
Community work
Built programmes linking women’s livelihoods with education for children.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Wilson Center: From Day One ↗Cabinet dismissal during Cashgate ↗Photo: EU Election Observation Mission Malawi 2025. Attribution · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
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