Former president Joyce Banda celebrated her 75th birthday on May 18 with a call to men to be first mentors to their daughters.

Banda who is also People’s Party president said her inspiration to be a woman of influence within and outside Malawi was drawn from her own father when she was young.

“As I celebrate my 75th birthday what I can do is share my experiences along the way... In my case, there is so much that my father did to help me get where I am, not only paying my school fees but also building my confidence and being present in my life,” she recalled.

Banda speaking during her birthday party attended by some of her family members, friends and party members advised men to take interest in the upbringing of their girl child for them to become successful in life.

“A study was done in 2016 on women leaders, what was common among them at all levels (business and political) was the role played by their fathers when they were growing up.

Besides the support from her father, Banda shared her secret behind the impact she has made in people’s lives socially and politically as testified by those that were given the podium to speak during the birthday party.

“What matters is not the destination, rather it is what happens along the journey of life. I drew a mission statement that I will spend my life assisting women and youth and girls gain social and political empowerment through business and education,” she said.

Trina Mpula, is among current beneficiaries of girls education support being provided by Joyce Banda Foundation, a non-profit charitable organisation established by the former president to educate and empower the less advantaged (men and women, boys and girls) advance development agenda.

Mpula delivering words of appreciation on behalf of thousands of JBF beneficiaries said Banda is a shining example whose dreams and power of compassion has and continues to transform lives of many girls in the country.

Banda’s nephew, Andekuche Chanthunya echoed Mpula’s words of gratitude saying, “Many people’s dreams in all spheres have been realised through a connection to her dream(s).”

The former president spared time to appreciate the support from her husband of 43 years.

“He has been my anchor and pillar. He belongs to a class of evaluators, very calm, very quiet, systematic, observant and wise....... What God gave me is a solid husband,” she said.