5 Fashion Statement of President Joyce Banda

In the midst of JB-mania, it is hard to look beyond the striking physical change that a female president has brought to the continent’s political landscape. I sit on an uncomfortable fence, watching this scene, as I cautiously celebrate that my president is a woman. I have heard statements from people on either side.

It is important to affirm the achievements of women like JB, who transcend the shackles of patriarchy. Yet I feel that the fixation on Banda’s gender is also a double-edged sword. The emphasis placed on our president as a woman is discomfiting because it is easy for (sexist) critics to flip the script and use JB’s gender as a scapegoat for any faults of the government. In order to achieve gender equality in Africa, we need to start seeing JB as more than a woman.

 The gorgeous, statuesque Joyce is a mix-and-match master with a soft spot for Thakoon and Jason Wu. In terms of heightened fashion-biz buzz, the First Lady is well on her way to leaving a stylish legacy.

At a recent Farm-to-Table lunch for spouses of World Leaders, Mrs.Joyce Banda played host in a pastel floral dress with metallic silver flats.

Mrs.Joyce Banda spoke with Prince Albert of Monaco at a reception in Copenhagen in bright gold Rodarte dress. Her accessories — three sparkly brooches, gold earrings, and bangles — completed the festive look.