Women challenged to build confidence, expand influence

Women have been challenged to strengthen their inner confidence and expand their influence beyond titles as they redefine leadership at the top. The call was made during the 11th Annual Women in Management and Leadership Conference organised by the Pan African Learning and Growth Network (PALGNET) at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi under the themePower, Purpose and Legacy: Women Redefining Leadership at the Top. Speaking on Thursday during a panel discussion, Grace Nyambo said the conversation has shifted from questioning women’s capability to deepening their confidence and influence.

“The discussion on women’s capability has long been answered—we are capable,” she said. “True confidence is about clarity of identity, strength of competence and courage of conviction,” she said. “Real influence is the ability to shape decisions, inspire action and create impact.” She challenged women leaders to interrogate how they build inner confidence in environments that sometimes question their authority and how they can expand their influence beyond positional power.

According to Nyambo, leadership influence must be anchored in competence and self-awareness, enabling women to shape decisions at organisational and policy levels rather than merely occupy office. PALGNET Marketing and Sales Manager Spencer Mulenga said the conference is designed to empower women across Malawi to rise, lead and thrive in business and community leadership. “This conference brings together women entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, policymakers and aspiring young professionals to share knowledge, build networks and strengthen leadership capacity,” he said.

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Mulenga said the platform equips women with practical skills in financial literacy, governance, innovation and enterprise development to help them grow sustainable businesses and access leadership positions. “Our goal is to advance gender equality, strengthen women-led enterprises and foster a new generation of confident, capable women leaders who will shape Malawi’s economy and communities,” he said. The Women in Management and Leadership Conference is an annual gathering that seeks to address challenges women face in management and enterprise development while celebrating achievements of Malawian women breaking barriers across sectors. The forum provides mentorship opportunities, networking platforms and strategic insights aimed at strengthening women’s participation in decision-making and supporting inclusive economic growth in the country.

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