WOLREC ED Challenges Africa to Reimagine Power at Young Women’s Leadership Summit

WOLREC Executive Director Maggie Kathewera Banda, on Thursday delivered a powerful keynote address at the African Young Women’s Leadership Summit 2025 in Lilongwe.

Her address, titled “Backlash is a Sign We’re Winning – But at What Cost?”, celebrated the strides made in advancing women’s rights in Malawi and across Africa, while cautioning against the growing resistance threatening these hard-won gains.

“The future of gender justice in Africa depends not just on resisting oppression, but on reimagining power. It depends on us building systems, cultures, and institutions where women and all marginalized people are safe, heard, and free,” she emphasized.

Kathewera Banda further challenged gender equality champions across Africa to remain strategic, compassionate, and unapologetically bold, reminding them that true victory goes beyond passing laws or filling seats—"it is about transforming the world we live in."

The two-day Summit, held under the theme 'Reclaiming Power: Feminist Leadership in a Changing World', was organised by the African Women Leaders Forum, Institute for Young Women’s Development, Journey of Hope for Girls and Women Eswatini, We Lead, and Arete Malawi.

"Yes, the backlash is a sign we’re winning. But we must be clear-eyed about the costs — and deliberate about how we move forward.

The future of gender justice in Africa depends not just on resisting oppression, but on reimagining power. It depends on us building systems, cultures, and institutions where women and all marginalized people are safe, heard, and free." Added Maggie Kathewera Banda.

One of the participants Susan Chisi, founder of Girls on the Lead, a young feminist movement in Malawi hailed the speakers including the WOLREC ED for the motivation and inspiration.

"Listening to feminist role models like Maggie Kathewera Banda, Emma Kalia, and Habiba Osman was truly inspiring.

"As a young feminist, I leave this summit guided, encouraged, and even more committed to this journey of transformative leadership," she said.