Joyce Banda is a distinguished figure with multiple accolades to her name. As the former President of the Republic of Malawi from 2012 to 2014, she holds the distinction of being Malawi’s first female president and only the second in all of Africa. Her impact isn't just limited to political leadership; she's recognized globally as an entrepreneur, activist, philanthropist, and an ardent advocate for the rights of marginalized groups, notably women, children, and the disabled. Her formidable academic training includes a Bachelor of Science in Gender and Development - which she obtained from the Atlantic International University (AIU) -, a subject that has been the basis of her struggle and political activism.
During her career, Banda has been a decisive part of the community's gender struggle. For example, as Minister of Gender and Child Welfare, she was instrumental in passing the Domestic Violence Prevention Bill in 2006. The bill was instrumental for Malawi as it established legal standards against violence towards women. women and girls. Furthermore, during her presidency, she demonstrated an unwavering commitment to enhancing women's maternal health and reproductive rights. This culminated in the establishment of the Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health and Safe Motherhood, significantly reducing maternal mortality ratios in Malawi.
President Banda's economic acumen revitalized Malawi's economy, which was on the brink when she assumed office. Her reforms led to remarkable economic growth, improved industrial capacities, and bolstered foreign exchange covers. On the governance front, she annulled several oppressive laws, strengthening civil liberties and media freedom. Her international recognition includes over 15 awards, such as the "Hunger Project Africa Prize for Leadership for the Sustainable End of Hunger". She's also known for founding the Joyce Banda Foundation International, benefitting over 1.3 million Malawians through diverse programs. Other initiatives she spearheaded include the National Association of Business Women and the Young Women's Leadership Network. Internationally, she played a pivotal role in establishing organizations like the African Federation of Women Entrepreneurs (AFWE) and the Council for the Economic Empowerment of Women in Africa (CEEWA).
Michael Sata was a Zambian politician who served as the fifth President of Zambia from September 2011 until his demise in October 2014. As a social democrat, he spearheaded the Patriotic Front (PF), a dominant political faction in Zambia. During the reign of President Frederick Chiluba in the 1990s, Sata held a ministerial position as part of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) administration. However, he shifted to the opposition in 2001 and founded the PF. Acclaimed as "King Cobra", Sata emerged as a primary presidential adversary and challenged President Levy Mwanawasa in the 2006 presidential polls, albeit unsuccessfully. After Mwanawasa's passing, Sata made another bid for the presidency but was defeated by President Rupiah Banda in 2008. A decade in opposition culminated in his victory over incumbent Banda in the September 2011 presidential elections. Sata's journey came to an end in London in October 2014, paving the way for Vice President Guy Scott to assume the role of Acting President until the presidential by-election in January 2015.
A significant part of Sata's academic journey is his affiliation with Atlantic International University (AIU). He earned his bachelor's degree in political science from AIU in 2011. What's particularly noteworthy is his thesis topic at AIU: How to become president from the opposition? This clearly reflects his determination and strategic mindset, seeking to understand the nuances of ascending to the highest office from an opposition stance. AIU played an instrumental role in shaping his academic perspective, underscoring the significance of tailored education in propelling individuals to great heights.
The objective of the doctoral program in Social Marketing and Social Networks is to create a body of marketing researchers that, after reading their doctoral thesis, will join the labor market, providing the economic fabric with added value based on knowledge that will allow them to advance towards better marketing practices that will translate into greater efficiency for companies.
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