Leading Change in Malawian Sports

Her involvement in the Commonwealth Sport Women’s Leadership Programme (CWLP) has been transformative, equipping her with the skills to overcome challenges and foster gender equality in Malawian sports.

Chalemba’s journey with the CWLP began when the Malawi Olympic Committee circulated information about the initiative. Seizing the opportunity, she applied and was accepted into the programme. 

“It’s been a tremendous opportunity for growth,” explained Chalemba.

"The programme has equipped me with the skills and resources necessary to enhance my contributions to sports administration in Malawi."

For Chalemba, the Commonwealth Games plays a crucial role in putting Malawi on the global stage. "It exposes people to various activities, from volunteering to administration and athletic participation. A great example is the Malawi Netball Team, the Queens, who consistently take part in these Games," she said.

The visibility the Games provide is essential in broadening participation in sports across all levels in Malawi.

However, her leadership journey has not been without its challenges. Stereotyping, particularly regarding women’s ability to lead in sports, has been a persistent obstacle. “People tend to doubt that women can perform certain tasks,” Chalemba shares. “But I’ve found that through hard work and proving myself, I can overcome these doubts and rise to the occasion.”

In addition to her leadership role in volleyball, Chalemba also works full-time in capital markets at the National Bank of Malawi. Juggling these two demanding roles has honed her time management skills, one of the key lessons she’s taken from the Women’s Leadership Programme. “At the end of the day, I still have my 8-to-5 job to go to. Weekdays are dedicated to my work in capital markets, but when the weekend comes, that’s when I focus on volleyball."

Despite the challenge, she has mastered the art of balancing both commitments with efficiency.

Leadership, too, has been an area of growth for Chalemba. Working with people from diverse backgrounds—coaches, athletes, and her support team—has helped her refine her leadership approach. “I’ve grown in how I deal with people as a leader,” she explained.

 “Working with coaches from different regions and athletes from various walks of life has helped me refine my approach to leadership.”

The Women’s Leadership Programme has also provided Chalemba with valuable financial and communication skills. Financial management has become crucial in planning and executing events for the Volleyball Association, ensuring that everything aligns with the budget. In addition, she has enrolled in a public speaking platform to refine her communication skills, an essential tool for effective leadership.

“You can be a leader, but if you can’t communicate effectively, your leadership doesn’t mean much,” Chalemba said. The programme has also taught her to work smarter, not harder, a principle she learned from her interactions with mentors and fellow participants.

Mentorship has been an essential part of Chalemba’s journey. She credits several key mentors who have shaped her leadership style, including Ms. Ivy Chinangwa Kondowe, Director for Sports and Development at the Malawi National Council of Sports, and Ms. Naomi Chinatu, Director at the Malawi Olympic Committee, both of whom provided guidance throughout the programme. Internationally, Professor Theodore Petrus has been a key virtual mentor, supporting her in achieving her goals.

These mentors have not only helped her navigate the complexities of sports administration but also inspired her to lead with confidence and empathy.

In Malawi, where sports leadership has historically been dominated by men, Chalemba is witnessing positive change. “At first, it was mostly men in key leadership roles, but now, more women are stepping up. People are beginning to trust that women can lead,” she said. 

"Men in leadership positions are also starting to champion women, encouraging them to pursue leadership roles."

Her ultimate goal is to see more women in leadership roles within the Volleyball Association. As the organisation gears up for its next round of elections in January 2025, Chalemba hopes to foster gender equality through targeted programmes. “If I’m elected again, I hope to have more women in leadership roles. Even if they’re not leaders yet, I can help champion a platform to identify and help mold them into future leaders."

Chalemba recognizes that one of the biggest challenges to gender equality in sports leadership is getting more women to step forward. “Many people are hesitant to rise up. We need to create an environment where women feel comfortable showing their interest in leadership,” she said.

To achieve this, sports organisations in Malawi must identify potential leaders and provide them with the resources and mentorship necessary to succeed. Chalemba believes that college and community sports events are perfect avenues for discovering the women who will become tomorrow’s leaders.

“Through determination, mentorship, and the resources provided by the Commonwealth Sport Women’s Leadership Programme, I’m confident we can create more pathways for women to step into leadership roles."

With her focus on financial skills, time management and leadership, Thokozani Chalemba is not only balancing her demanding role in capital markets but also paving the way for future women leaders in Malawian sports.