Her Excellency Madame Gertrude Mutharika is set to host women from diverse churches and mosques in Mangochi at Page House on February 8th, under the theme ‘Thanksgivings’. Twink Jones Gadama engages Triza Fatima Tawanga Masauli,chairperson of the event’s organizing committee in an exclusive interview
Twink: What inspired Her Excellency Madame Gertrude Mutharika to host this massive gathering of women from different churches and mosques in Mangochi?
Triza: Her Excellency Madame Gertrude Mutharika’s inspiration for hosting this event stems from her passion for promoting unity, solidarity, and empowerment among women from diverse backgrounds. As a champion for women’s rights and development, she recognizes the importance of bringing women together to share experiences, challenges, and successes.
Twink: Can you elaborate on the theme ‘Thanksgivings’ and how it relates to the event’s objectives?
Triza: The theme ‘Thanksgivings’ is centered around expressing gratitude for the progress made towards women’s empowerment and development in Malawi. The event aims to celebrate women’s achievements, acknowledge the challenges they face, and foster a sense of solidarity and support among participants.
Twink: How did the organizing committee select the participants, and what criteria were used to ensure a diverse representation of women from different churches and mosques?
Triza: The organizing committee employed a multi-faceted approach to select participants, ensuring representation from various churches, mosques, and community groups. Criteria included geographical distribution, age, occupation, and level of community involvement.
Twink: How does the event aim to promote unity and solidarity among women from different religious backgrounds, and what impact do you hope it will have on the community?
Triza: The event will feature interactive sessions, group discussions, and networking opportunities designed to foster connections and understanding among participants. We hope this will translate into stronger, more supportive communities, where women can collaborate to address common challenges.
Twink: What measures have been put in place to ensure the event’s success, and how will its impact be evaluated?
Triza: A comprehensive planning process, involving stakeholders and partners, has ensured the event’s logistical and programmatic aspects are well-coordinated. Post-event evaluations, surveys, and follow-up activities will assess the impact and identify areas for future improvement.
Twink: How does the event align with Her Excellency Madame Gertrude Mutharika’s broader vision for women’s empowerment and development in Malawi?
Triza: This event is a testament to Her Excellency’s commitment to empowering women and promoting their development. It aligns with her broader vision of creating a supportive environment where women can thrive and contribute meaningfully to Malawi’s growth.
Twink: What message do you hope the event will convey to the wider community, and how do you plan to sustain the momentum generated by the event in the long term?
Triza: We hope to convey a message of unity, solidarity, and empowerment among women. To sustain momentum, we plan to establish a network of women leaders and organizations, facilitating ongoing collaboration, mentorship, and support.
Twink: The theme of ‘Thanksgivings’ is quite broad. Can you elaborate on what specific aspects of thanksgiving will be focused on during the event?
Triza: The event will focus on expressing gratitude for women’s progress, acknowledging the challenges they face, and celebrating their resilience and determination.
Twink: Former First Lady Gertrude Mutharika has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to various causes, including infertility awareness and capacity building. What lessons can women learn from her experiences and achievements?
Triza: Women can learn valuable lessons from Her Excellency’s experiences, including the importance of perseverance, empathy, and community engagement. Her commitment to empowering women and addressing infertility issues serves as a powerful inspiration.
Twink: Can you tell us more about the Former First Lady’s personal journey and what she wants to thank God for?
Triza: Her Excellency’s personal journey is a testament to her strength and resilience. She wants to thank God for the opportunities she has had to make a positive impact on women’s lives and for the support of her family and community.
Twink: What message do you think the Former First Lady and the organizing committee want to convey to the broader community through this ‘Thanksgivings’ gathering?
Triza: The message is one of hope, unity, and empowerment. We want to inspire women to continue striving for excellence, to support one another, and to celebrate their achievements.
Twink: Looking ahead, are there plans to make this ‘Thanksgivings’ gathering an annual event, and how do you see it evolving in the future?
Triza: Yes, we plan to make this an annual event, with the goal of expanding its reach and impact. We envision the event becoming a catalyst for positive change, fostering a culture of gratitude, empathy, and support among women.
Twink: As we conclude this interview, what final words of encouragement or advice would you like to share with the women who will be attending the ‘Thanksgivings’ gathering?
Triza: I would like to encourage the women attending the gathering to come with an open heart and mind, ready to share their experiences, learn from others, and forge meaningful connections. Let us celebrate our achievements, support one another, and strive for a brighter future together.
