By Cedric Nkungula

First Lady Madame Monica Chakwera on Friday 1st December 2023 launched a book titled a woman of noble character at a glamorous event held at Golden Peacock Hotel in Lilongwe.

Authored by Reverend Rebecca Banda, the book has been written based on Proverbs 31.

In her remarks, Madame Chakwera said the book comes in timely as a yardstick to guide women to ask themselves questions about the specific qualities that they need to continuously seek after, polish and emulate for the future generations that they desire.

“This book challenges us to remember that our characters are an open book to the younger generations. Whatever they become is our seed. This book also reveals to us of how the church is tasked with raising a generation of women that are reliable and beacons of hope for the younger generations,” she emphasized.

The first lady observed that it is pleasing to note that at the centre of the book is a message that is challenging women to discover their purpose in their respective societies, rise up to the occasion and embrace their potential as they trail blaze for the next generation.

“It’s a call to development of transcendent qualities that God requires for us women if we are to ably compliment leadership of our nation and indeed lead with impact in various positions of high authority in our societies,” she said.

Madame Chakwera said it is important that elderly women teach their children the characteristics of slothfulness and explain the difference between prosperous versus failing nations.

“It all starts with the nucleus family and the significant aspect of the diligent character of a mother,” added the first lady.

“This woman in Proverbs 31 demonstrates that women are capable, physically able, business smart, home makers and directly linked to the success of their husband and children. I, therefore, have every belief that women, regardless of the scale of their institutional influence, can be counted as critical stakeholders towards the Malawi 2063 goal of achieving an inclusively wealthy and self-reliant industrialized upper middle-income country through collective efforts.”

Taking her turn, Reverend Rebecca Banda said that the book is a tool for empowering and motivating underprivileged women and children to realize their full potential in society.

She thanked Madame Chakwera for availing herself to the book launch despite her tight schedule.

According to Pastor Banda, part of the proceeds from the book sales will go towards rehabilitation of the Chitipi Haven of Hope Lay Training Centre that is being run by the National Women Ministries of the Malawi Assemblies of God with the primary objective of developing entrepreneurial skills of vulnerable widows so that they become active contributors to the economic growth of their families and respective communities.