Barbra Mchenga Tsiga

Barbra Mchenga Tsiga, 40, was recently promoted to the rank of commissioner in the Malawi Police Service (MPS), making her the youngest commissioner within the service.

“This achievement was both thrilling and intimidating, considering the immense responsibility that comes with it. However, I find solace and inspiration in knowing that other remarkable women have successfully held similar positions,” explains Mchenga Tsiga who currently leads the Research and Planning Department.

After serving nearly two years as a senior State advocate in the Ministry of Justice, she resolved to embark on a new chapter by joining the MPS through Mtakataka Training School.

Throughout her service in the MPS, she has worked in various departments, each of which, she says, has provided unique experiences and challenges.

On two occasions she has been seconded to the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Secretariat; giving her the opportunity to broaden her horizons and contribute to regional cooperation and security efforts.

She once also led the Interpol Central Bureau of the MPS—a responsibility that demanded dedication and strategic thinking; aside from serving as the head of the Legal Directorate for several years.

She credits all these achievements to a combination of hard work, dedication , determinat ion, commitment, a deep passion for her job, and the grace of God.

“I believe it is by God’s grace that I have reached where I am today. I tend to view my progress as more of a privilege rather than something I can solely claim as my own,” she says.

However, as a young woman in such a position, she cites that the greatest challenge she encounters is the constant pressure to prove her worth, which often requires working twice as hard. But she firmly believes that challenges are meant to be conquered.

“As trail blazing women professionals, it is our responsibility to strive for success and leave behind a legacy that paves the way for more opportunities for women in the future. By doing so, we can help alleviate the challenges faced by future women leaders,” says Mchenga Tsiga.

In as far as issues of promoting women in leadership positions in the country are concerned, the mother of two says she eagerly anticipates the day when a substantial percentage of women will have attained sufficient education to become independent and capable individuals, as in saying, ‘Educate a woman, educate a nation.’

She believes it is essential to encourage women to enhance their skills by acquiring appropriate qualifications for their respective fields of work.

“Continuously upgrading through further studies will enable them to compete more effectively on the global market. Being a woman is not enough; women must actively present themselves as equal and deserving candidates for leadership positions. Empowering women through education and promoting their ambitions in leadership roles will contribute to a more equitable and progressive society,” she adds.

Born at Likuni Hospital in Lilongwe to Private Mchenga and Joyce Elizabeth Mchenga on July 28 1982, the commissioner comes from Masumba Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Mlonyeni in Mchinji.

Fourth born in a family of five siblings, she is married to Daniel Tsiga, and together they have been blessed with two children.

Her primary school education was quite diverse, as her father worked for the Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc) and was constantly being transferred.

As such, she went to Mgodi Primary School in Machinga; Bangula Primary School; Mponda in Balaka, Pinda Primary School in Mchinji and Ludzi Girls Primary School.

She then proceeded to secondary school at St. Monica Girls and later to Our Lady of Lourdes Secondary School where she sat the Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE).

Mchenga Tsiga holds an Honours Degree in Law from Chancellor College (now University of Malawi), obtained in 2007; and went on to read for a Master of Science in Strategic Management attained from the University of Derby in 2015.

She is currently in the final stages of enrolling for her Doctor of Philosophy in Management, which she believes will significantly enhance her expertise as  

 a police officer, and offer long-term benefits even beyond her time in the police service.

“By attaining academic excellence, I aim to contribute more effectively to my country in various capacities beyond law enforcement,” she says.

Turning to younger girls, Mchenga-Tsiga advises that possibilities are boundless; and not even the sky can contain their potential.

“You possess the power to become anything you desire and achieve anything you set your minds to, and of course God. Aspiring young girls should look up to positive role models and embrace the principles of hard work and determination. Success is earned through effort and dedication; there are no shortcuts or free lunches in life,” she counsels.

Just as many girls in the country today, she too, in her childhood encountered the obstacle of limited exposure to diverse female role models beyond those in conventional professions. And realizing the gap, she now provides the same for younger girls.

Nevertheless, she considers herself fortunate to have been surrounded by parents and a family that instilled unwavering confidence in her abilities and constantly reassured her of her potential to achieve anything.

“This is precisely why I find great fulfilment in mentoring young individuals whenever the opportunity arises, as I firmly believe that through such guidance, I can positively impact and transform several lives,” says Mchenga Tsiga.

She calls on others in different professions to empower girls by helping them understand that the global community is actively striving to create an environment where they can thrive.

“It is crucial for them to seize this opportunity and demonstrate their ability to excel, just like their male counterparts. However, it is important to note that this pursuit of empowerment should not neglect the well-being and development of boys, as overlooking their needs could lead to potential challenges in the future,” she says.

Outside of her professional life, the Lilongwe-born woman has a number of hobbies that bring her joy, including spending quality time with her family, indulging in reading, listening to music, traveling, and watching television, which help her unwind and enjoy her leisure time