Hundreds of Baptist women from across Southern Africa gathered at African Bible College (ABC) in Lilongwe on Thursday for the start of a four-day Baptist Women’s Union of Southern Africa (Bwusa) Conference.
The event is focused on strengthening women’s roles in Christian ministry.
Held under the theme “Women of Purpose” from Proverbs 31:25–29, the conference highlights the leadership and spiritual gifts of women while also challenging gender roles in churches.
The gathering, which runs from July 31 to August 3, began with a march and singing as delegates walked through the ABC campus.
Participants came from at least nine countries, including Malawi, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Mozambique, Eswatini, Namibia, and Lesotho.
Speaking at the opening of the conference, president of the Baptist Convention of Malawi Rev. Dalitso Matekenya, said the event offers a platform for women to sharpen each other.
“Women need to be women of purpose, women of faith, and women who love worshiping God.
“They have gathered to help each other, ignite each other, so they can take the message of Jesus beyond the times we live in; times that are filled with hopelessness and despair,” said Matekenya.
Bwusa president Naomi Chaane said the theme reflects more than just words.
She said: “We are women of purpose.
“This is not just a theme, it is our identity and mission as we serve God and our communities.”
As Malawi hosts this year’s conference, Baptist Women’s Union of Malawi president Jacqueline Kalenga said the theme speaks to today’s challenges.
She said: “As women, we need to live with purpose. We must redefine how we see ourselves, understand what we want to achieve, and focus on the legacy we will leave behind.
“A woman of purpose is courageous, intentional, prayerful, and focused, even in the face of challenges and setbacks.”
Esther Chithuzi, a delegate from Salima, said the conference reminds women of their value.
“Even when we have the calling and capacity to lead, we’re often not accepted. But conferences like this remind us that our purpose matters,” she said.
