Vice President Dr. Jane Mayemu Ansah, SC , JA, (Retired) has called on women to remain united, resilient and committed to their families and communities, saying women have a critical role to play in the social and economic development of the nation.
Dr. Ansah made the remarks on Sunday when she attended the Zambezi Evangelical Church (ZEC) Chiole Synod National Women’s Conference, where she served as Guest of Honour. The conference was held under the theme “Mchipululu Simofela,” drawn from Isaiah 43:19–20, and brought together women from across the Chiole Synod.
The Vice President thanked the church for inviting her and for the warm reception she received, as well as for the three gifts presented to her. She said she was delighted to be among the women as they concluded their national conference and praised them for organising the gathering despite their demanding family responsibilities.
“I am happy to be amongst you as you conclude your national women’s conference,” Dr. Ansah said, stressing that she attended not only in her capacity as Vice President but also as a fellow woman who believes in the important contribution women make to society.
She said empowering women through education has far-reaching benefits for the entire country, emphasising that an educated and empowered woman can contribute significantly to the wellbeing of her family, community and nation.
Dr. Ansah also commended women for using gatherings such as the conference to encourage, support and strengthen one another. She urged them to continue working together, particularly in areas that can improve household livelihoods and promote economic independence.
The Vice President said she was encouraged to learn that ZEC is working together with government in various development areas, including agriculture, infrastructure and education. She said such cooperation between faith-based organisations and government is important in addressing challenges facing communities and improving people’s livelihoods.
She further encouraged women to participate actively in economic activities and skills development so that families can become more self-reliant. According to Dr. Ansah, women should continue supporting one another through initiatives that promote education, entrepreneurship and community development.
Reflecting on the role of women in the Bible and society, Dr. Ansah said women have historically played important roles in strengthening families and communities. She encouraged the women to draw inspiration from biblical teachings and remain steadfast in their faith, particularly when confronted with difficulties.
“Women are not chosen just to make them happy,” she said, urging them to recognise their responsibilities and use their opportunities to make a meaningful difference in society.
Dr. Ansah also urged women not to surrender when faced with challenges, comparing difficult moments in life to periods of wilderness. She said faith should give women the strength to persevere and continue pursuing their goals even when circumstances become difficult.
“When we experience challenges, we must look up to God. When we are in the wilderness, we must never give up,” she said.
She further encouraged women to take good care of their families while remaining committed to education, development and hard work. She said women should use their talents and opportunities not only to improve their own lives but also to contribute to national development.
Dr. Ansah concluded by thanking the organisers for putting together what she described as an important conference and prayed for God’s blessings upon the Zambezi Evangelical Church and its women’s ministry.
She also called for national unity, invoking President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s message of unity following the Malawi Scorchers’ historic run at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
“United we stand, divided we fall,” she said, reinforcing her appeal for women and Malawians generally to remain united as they work towards the development of their families, communities and the country.
Dr. Ansah said the conference had left her inspired, declaring that she would leave the gathering “a different person” from the one who arrived, reflecting the impact of the fellowship, messages and experiences shared during the women’s conference.
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