Big interview: Agnes Gondwe, regional commissioner of police

Agnes Gondwe is the regional commissioner of police for the north. She joined the Malawi Police Service (MPS) as a teenager at the inspiration of former inspector general (IG) Mary Nangwale and the police uniform; she has risen through the ranks to head the northern region. What does it mean for a woman to supervise an entire region in a male dominated field? What has been her journey from a tender age to becoming commissioner? I spoke to her.

Tell me about yourself

I am a 58-year-old woman from Chimbaye Village, Senior Traditional Authority (T/A) Chilooko in Ntchisi, Malomo area. I was widowed in 2006. I am a mother of four children and I have three grand children. Currently, I am commissioner of police responsible for the Northern Region.

How was your childhood?

I was born in a family of 14 children; seven girls and seven boys. Unfortunately, three girls have passed on. Honestly, I had an enjoyable childhood because my father was a civil servant working for the Ministry of Education. He was once head teacher for Nsanje Secondary School before being promoted to district inspector of schools in Mzimba in 1982.

What made you distinct among your peers?

I was an athlete during my childhood and was recognised in this regard when I was selected sports prefect while at Mzuzu Secondary School.

Tell me more about your education background.

I hold a pitman typewriting certificate and a chartered institute in purchasing and supply (CIPS) of the United Kingdom (UK) diploma, which I obtained from the Polytechnic Management Centre.

What inspired you to join the police service, which is a male dominated career?

I joined the police service in November 1975 when I was just 19 years old and fresh from secondary school. I got the inspiration from the former Inspector General of police Mary Nangwale because I admired her uniform. Mzuzu Police Station was my first deployment.

What was the public reaction in the early years of your career?

My parents and other family members supported my move to join the service although at that time, it was rare for girls to go into the service. However, the public was negative about my decision because most people believed women could not do a man’s job. They, however, must not forget that as a police officer, I am also invested with powers to arrest, just like my male colleagues.

Any challenges?

My journey as a woman police officer has not been all that smooth because as a woman, I was supposed to balance with my family roles as a mother and wife. I made sure I worked hard at my career and remained professional, while I also cared for my family. There was no compromising the two because they are equally important. It has been hard work.

What memories can you share with me about your career?

Having travelled on a bumpy road as a woman police officer, I hold to heart the time I was promoted to the rank of second sergeant in 1980 and the present position of commissioner in June this year. Honestly it came as a surprise. There is nothing more fulfilling as a reward after such perseverance.

What are your achievements so far?

Definitely my promotion to commissioner of police is an achievement and my attainment of the CIPS diploma.

What does your day-to- day job entail?

I supervise all officers in charge in the region. I also deal with crime and traffic departments apart from supervising staff here.

What leadership roles have you assumed apart from commissioner?

I have been officer-in-charge (O/C) for Dedza, Thyolo and Chikwawa police stations; quartermaster for Zomba and second in command for Blantyre urban just to mention a few.

If you were given a chance to change things in the service, what would that be?

I would encourage police officers to advance their education to suit modern, changing times and the competitive world.

What advice would you give to most police officers who complain about not being promoted?

I was a clerk for 12 years before being promoted. Hence, I would advise my fellow officers not to lose heart as time will come for them to be recognised. I would also encourage them to remain loyal, disciplined, hardworking and respectful of their colleagues; and not to be emotional.

What is your philosophy in life?

I believe in loving other people, nurturing a hardworking spirit as well as in God. I am Roman Catholic.

What is your favourite book?

The bible. It is a book of solutions, lessons and inspirations. It has solutions to challenges. I also draw lessons from leaders in the Bible, which are pertinent to me as a leader.

What is your favourite pastime?

Sports, which I do every Wednesday for physical fitness, watching TV for current affairs and I also like watching Nigerian movies (the good ones).

What advice can you give to young girls aspiring to be police officers?

They should work hard at school and not be easily carried away by boys or men who may doom their future. As the saying goes: “when you educate a girl, you have educated the whole nation”.