February 25 was a night of celebration as Nation Publications Limited (NPL) chief executive officer Mbumba Banda and 26 others won the inaugural Women of Substance Awards in recognition for their outstanding contribution to their professions.

The award ceremony was hosted by Pan African Learning and Growth Network (Palgnet) and Plan International Malawi at Sunbird Nkopola in Mangochi where Banda was honoured for her exceptional contribution to the media Industry in Malawi.

In her opening remarks, Women of Substance Awards chairperson Linda Longwe said the awards celebrated the relentless pursuit of excellence by women leaders in diverse fields who have demonstrated resilience, set an example for the girl-child and set the pace future generations.

Malewezi and Theana Msolomba with their trophies

Banda was honoured for being a resilient, committed and inspiring leader who has provided innovative media solutions that have made NPL one of the leading and most referenced news products in the industry.

In an interview, the NPL head thanked Plan International Malawi and Palgnet for the award, saying it was an honour to be recognised for the work one is committed to and loves.

Said Banda: “My belief is that we can all contribute towards building our nation from wherever we are and whatever we do. When we are privileged to be able to contribute, we must always do the best that we can.”

She is also a recipient of the 2012 Media Institute of Southern Africa (Misa)-Malawi Lifetime Achiever Award.

In a separate interview, Dr Bridget Malewezi, who was recognised for the work she has been doing in promoting health education and literacy and establishing the Women Doctor’s Association, said it was an honour to receive the award.

The Women of Substance awards also recognised Senior Chief Teresa Kachindamoto, former Secretary for Nutrition Dr Mary Shawa, and Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare Patricia Kaliati as Lifetime Achievers while Second Lady Madame Mary Chilima was honoured for her work in promoting girls’ rights.

Del ivering her keynote address, Chilima commended Plan International Malawi and Palgnet for recognising the outstanding women, saying women’s contribution to society often goes uncelebrated

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