Her name is Cathy Chisuse (nee Chibale), a mother of two who comes from Manjawira Village in Traditional Authority Makwangwala's area in Ntcheu district. Born on 13th September, 1977, Chisuse's story is worth emulating as she asserts that she has never been a beggar in her life.

She is currently working for the NBS Bank in Balaka. In this interview she tells us about her story. The excerpts

I was born Catherine on 13th September, 1977 , sixth child in the family of ten children. My father is Mr Chibale and I am married to Mr Chisuse. I did my primary school education at Mikoke, Kame in Ntcheu and Mponda in Balaka. I attended secondary school education at Bvumbwe CDSS and Bangwe Private. I have an advanced Diploma in Community and Rural Development and Certificate in Computer Programming from the Polytechnic. Currently I am pursuing Bachelor of Banking and Finance with Blantyre Inter-national University (BIU).I once worked for World Vision International (WVI) for three years and five years at Save the Children before joining the banking industry. I am now working with Your Caring Bank (NBS Bank).I have also been a star performer wherever I have worked. I am a workhorse and have always been given extra responsibilities on top of my job description which means I am a very dedicated individual and general fitter. I like learning new things.Tell us about your early life

What have you done in your life worth emulating?

First is my education. As a woman this is no mean achievement. As a woman people expect you to bear children and be at home begging. This is not the case with me. I am employed and run businesses. I have a salon and boutique in Balaka behind Zembani Lodge called Wabwino Investments. You will find cosmetics in this shop, city standard steamers and all types of hair do's. We also have products from Frut Tailoring Shop which we get from Namiwawa shop in Blantyre. There are well designed materials at affordable prices and you will not regret shopping with us. We also have wedding dresses, flowers and hats for hire. Wabwino Investment also prepares snacks for all functions including wedding and birthday cakes. It also grooms brides and bridal parties. Customers from Liwonde, Ntcheu, Balaka and afar throng this shop to seek beautician services. Wabwino Investments also prepares snacks which are sold at Puma and Petroda shops. As I have already stated I do not like begging.

What should women learn from Cathy Chisuse?

Never beg. People should share the little they have. They should avoid begging. They should be strong and principled. Women should change their mind set.

What are you doing to uplift the status of women in your area?

Most of the time I go to my home village Manjawira over the weekends to encourage female adolescents to work hard at school and have principles in life. I ask them never to break any of their principles because regret has no remedy. I also encourage fellow women never to look down upon them-selves but strictly adhere to their principles. My friends around Balaka who are my neighbours do come and assist me whenever I am preparing snacks for wed-dings and other functions thereby learning some of the recipes they didn't know before.

What are your future plans?

After my first degree I would like to study for Masters. The sky is not the limit for me. I want to expand my shop. I am aspiring for a better position at work. I would like to see my two children (boys) Christian and Christy to have better education than I have been struggling for. I would like to serve and not to be served and I pray that God will guide me!