By Burnett Munthali
Janet Zeenat Karim, a renowned Malawian journalist and diplomat, has left an indelible mark on her country’s media landscape. Born in 1954, Karim’s journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication to press freedom and women’s empowerment.
Karim’s early life was shaped by her father’s diplomatic career, which took her to New York, where she graduated from Scarsdale High School in 1972. She later returned to Malawi, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Malawi in 1979 and a master’s degree in global development and social justice from St. John’s University in 2014.
Karim’s career in journalism began at the Malawi Daily Times, the country’s only newspaper at the time. She later became an editor at Malawi News, before founding Woman Now magazine, the first women’s magazine in Malawi, and the Independent newspaper in 1993. Her publications often voiced opposition to the policies of the new ruling government, showcasing her courage and commitment to press freedom.
In addition to her journalistic endeavors, Karim founded the Malawi Media Women’s Association, which helped establish Dzimwe Community Radio with assistance from UNESCO and USAID. She was also an advocate for women’s rights and safety, and was active in the Society of Women Living With AIDS.
Karim’s diplomatic career took her to the Permanent Mission of Malawi to the United Nations, where she served from 2007 to 2014, working on social, cultural, and human rights issues. She represented Malawi at UNICEF and other bodies, cementing her country’s reputation on the global stage.
Karim’s contributions to Malawian journalism and women’s empowerment have been recognized, with her being identified as one of the country’s few well-known female writers, alongside Emily Mkamanga and Walije Gondwe.
Janet Karim is a prolific Malawian journalist and diplomat with several notable publications.
One of her notable works is “The Independent Press in Malawi: A Critical Analysis” (1994), a critical examination of the independent press in Malawi, showcasing Karim’s expertise in journalism and media analysis.
Another notable publication is her book “Zinyama Village Road” (2016), demonstrating her versatility as a writer.
Karim has also written articles for various publications, including the Nyasa Times, where she listed problems with the recent election in 2019.
She’s an advocate for women’s rights and empowerment, and has spoken about the importance of including women in the media.
Her work has made significant contributions to Malawian journalism and women’s empowerment, cementing her legacy as a trailblazing journalist and diplomat.
