Republic of Zambia: State House

FIRST LADY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA

Mrs. Thandiwe Banda is the fourth first lady of the republic of Zambia. She was until last year, October wife of the vice President. Her Husband His Excellency Mr. Rupiah Banda was elected President on 30th October, 2008 after serving as Republican Vice President for a number of years.

A history and political Science teacher by profession, Mrs. Banda is currently pursuing for a degree in Information and Technology with Edith Cowan University of Australia.

Resulting from her background and experience as a teacher, living and teaching in the rural areas, Mrs. Banda has committed herself to helping the underprivileged children in the rural community by providing financial support to assist them with school fees and educational materials.

Mrs. Banda is a firm believer in education, first as a human right and as key factor in solving the many challenges affecting Zambia and the African continent as a whole. The First lady is an ardent proponent of policies that encourage education for all but with special emphasis on girl children.

As a woman, Mrs. Banda firmly believes that sustainable development can only be achieved if women, regardless of their position in society, are empowered with knowledge, skills and finances to sustain their lives. She believes women have a critical role to playing economic development processes of their countries because they too are able and capable of contributing meaningfully.

Mrs. Banda is also an advocate for the rights of people leaving with the HIV virus. She believes that people infected with the HIV virus need the support and love of every member of society. She believes the future of every nation lies in an HIV/AIDS free generation of young people. The First Lady shares in the slogan “If you are not infected, you are definitely affected.”

Mrs. Banda also believes that the provision of cheap anti-retroviral drugs is a must, especially in public health facilities to enable those that cannot afford, but are infected, to have easy access to the drugs. Mrs. Banda has the conviction that a multi-sectoral approach and the creation of synergies and partnership of purpose are key in tackling the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Mrs. Banda also has passion for farming especially maize and sunflower seed farming. She believes that agriculture is the “gold” that will not only feed but enrich Africa as well. Mrs. Banda is an avid reader.

This is the fourth First Lady of Zambia.

For more detaills on the First Lady, visit www.firstladyzambia.com