US ’varsity honours JB

Wheelock University in the USA has conferred an honorary doctorate on former president Joyce Banda for her role in embodying the theme of Advancing Social Justice and Education around the World.
The award was held last week in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, during the commencement ceremony of the college’s graduation ceremony.
According to the college website, Banda was considered for the award because she has assisted more than 400 000 women to become financially independent through innovative programmes such as saving circles, business training and educational endeavours.

The college also recognised the role the Joyce Banda Foundation which has provided educational programmes for over one million youths.
In her acceptance speech, Banda emphasised to the graduates the importance of patience.
Said Banda: “I am an African woman, a mother, a grandmother, but also a leader. I have taken up many roles, businesswoman, politician, member of Parliament, and Cabinet minister. I have been a foreign minister, vice-president, and president. Through all these roles, I have had the opportunity to be an agent for change.”
Two other individuals were also conferred namely Lawrence O’Donnell, a US television host and an education advocate who uses his celebrity status to lobby on behalf of children; and Dr. Tiziana Filippini who has dedicated her life’s work to the education of young children, teachers and families in her home community of Reggio Emilia, Italy, and throughout the world.
Voted twice as Africa’s most powerful woman by Forbes Magazine and voted as one of the most powerful women in the world, Banda has always lived her life as a champion for the rights of women, children and the disabled and other marginalised groups. In 2014, CNN named President Banda as the most inspirational female politician of the year.