TODAY WOMAN -A capable woman
by Otuli Munlo - Sunday, November 30, 2008 - 15:00:53

The key to happiness is having dreams, the key to success is making your dreams come true and confidence is the companion of success, says this week’s Today Woman.

A living example of what it means to not let go of childhood ambitions because they are not at all childish, Violet Jumbe, Company Secretary for Air Malawi shares her story with OTULI MUNLO.

Your full name?

Violet Jumbe, nee Maganga.

Your designation and educational qualifications?

I am Company Secretary for Air Malawi and a holder of an Honours Degree in Law which I obtained at
Chancellor College.

I was born in Blantyre and grew up in Ndirande Township, Blantyre. I grew up with my loving grandparents in what I could call humble beginnings.

I went to Blantyre Girls Primary school while St Michaels Girls Secondary School in Malindi, Mangochi. My college years were spent at Chancellor College between 1989 and 1993.

What were your aspirations?

On a serious note my late Grandfather Mr Wales Maganga is the one who inspired me to enroll for a law degree. So in my second year into College I was enrolled for a Law Degree having gone through rigorous interviews.

What milestones can you identify in your life?

Achieving my Honours degree in law when it was deemed a male dominated course and being able to work in the male-dominated arena. Working as a Company Secretary in Air Malawi which is our national flag carrier and being able to achieve this status. Achieving the objective of the national carrier through completion of vexing commercial transactions. I am the first female Company Secretary for Air Malawi.

Give a break down of your job experiences. Where did you start?

I’ve worked in a number of areas where law is concerned. My first post in 1993 was in the Ministry of Justice as a Legal Advocate. I then became a Legal Practitioner for Lawson and Company in 1996. Before joining Air Malawi as Company Secretary in 2003 I had a brief eight months stint with Tembenu Masumbu and Company.

What main challenges have you faced in your career?

Generally, the fact that men do not accept that women are capable is disappointing.

What does a day in your life look like?

Exciting, I start with a prayer because I don't know what I will face during the day. As a wife at home, with two lovely daughters Sharon and Gracia aged 13 and 7, respectively, who are very supportive. As a career woman at the office, my day is filled with mixed reactions exciting but at the same time anxious to meet new challenges of the day especially now that the airline industry is under great economic stress; it's not Air Malawi only facing these problems. However, I urge the public to support our national flag carrier.

When you look at your self in 2012, what do you see?

I have plans to pursue Masters and Doctrate Degrees and hopefully, God willing, I should be able to satisfy my ambitions. This will enable me to get better job opportunities.

What factors contributed to your success?

Determination, the love and support of my family
(both from where I come and my husband), not forgetting those who have departed.

What are some of the cultural norms, values you have had to overcome in your walk?

As I have stated before, the fact that the career I pursued was deemed a 'male dominated' area obviously I have had to overcome such negative attitude.

When do you hope things will change for the best in this world?

If we can only be positive, soon. YES WE CAN.

If you could make a change in your current environment what would that be?

Accept that women are capable, change the male chauvinistic attitude.

What role does marriage play in your career?

As already stated my husband and my two daughters have greatly supported me in my career to the extent that I have inspired my daughter Sharon so much.

What did you face as a young woman that made you who you are today?

I witnessed a lot of injustice against the minority specie especially women and in my effort to contribute to the country, this is what made me who I am today. Women and children have got rights too.

What advice do you have for the young ladies out there? And for women?

It is always important to work hard, and have realistic ambitions. Determination works wonders. As some anonymous quotation 'The key to happiness is having dreams, the key to success is making your dreams come true and confidence is the companion of success’.

<< back