Miss Malawi Thandie Chisi says her reign has started on a positive note. The beauty queen officially started her duties through school visits at Kalonga Primary School, and Shire Urban primary school and Mkomachi Primary School in Lilongwe on Thursday. “Official duties have started well considering it is only the first month, but so far it has exceeded my expectations and I am off to a good start.
Many organisations have come on board to support,” said Chisi. As she settles into office, she said her priority areas include empowering adolescent girls and young women, particularly in education, health and economic areas. Youth representation is another key focus area and the reigning queen has expressed readiness to collaborate with different stakeholders working with young people.
“I am ready to partner others to empower young people,” she said. Her work as Miss Malawi also builds on initiatives she was implementing before winning the crown. Through her organisation, Sustainable Fashion and Women Empowerment, which she founded prior to her Miss Malawi title, she has been using fashion to economically empower women.
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Chisi, however, emphasised that support and collaboration will be crucial for the success and sustainability of her initiatives. “Financial backing from the corporate sector will be crucial as it will enable me to effectively carry out the duties,” she said. In a separate interview, Miss Malawi Organisation public relations officer Stephen Mdala said they are encouraged by the support shown so far from the public and various organisations.
Mdala said while Chisi’s priorities for the first quarter include empowering adolescent girls and women and representing young people, she is expected to expand her scope as her reign progresses. He said: “As an organisation, we are doing everything we can to support her, including securing partnerships that will help sustain her role as Miss Malawi. “We are also in discussions with others who want to partner Miss Malawi and we encourage constructive feedback to help strengthen her work.”
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