Tione Taweni Chakhwantha

Tione Taweni Chakhwantha is the Executive/Founding Director of the Centre for Human Rights and Community Development (CHRCD) in Malawi.

She is an gender advocate who is working to improve equality policies through community engagement, collaborative initiatives, and governmental lobbying.

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

After leaving Kent, I was awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship and pursued a second postgraduate degree (in Gender and Development) at University of Sussex. As a gender advocate this was good opportunity to expand my knowledge.

What does a typical work day look like for you.

In my role, I oversee administration and management tasks, including HR and budgeting, to ensure the smooth operation of CHRCD’s initiatives.

My day begins early with strategic planning meetings. I engage with stakeholders and government officials to advocate for gender equality policies and lead on project implementation through site visits and community engagement.

My responsibilities include facilitating workshops on human rights, developing new initiatives, and networking with partners to foster collaboration. Public speaking and advocacy campaigns are also key parts of my role to promote our mission and expand our reach.

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far?

One of the most significant highlights of my career has been leading a transformative gender advocacy campaign in Malawi that resulted in the integration of gender-sensitive policies into local disaster response strategies.

This initiative, driven by extensive community engagement and strategic collaboration with government officials and international partners, not only heightened gender visibility in humanitarian interventions but also empowered women as leaders and change agents in their communities.

The success of the campaign was a testament to CHRCD’s commitment to promoting gender equality and has set a new standard for inclusive and resilient community development practices in Malawi.

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?

My time at Kent was pivotal in shaping and advancing my career. Pursuing an MBA and graduating with merit provided me with a strong foundation in business management and strategic thinking. The comprehensive curriculum equipped me with essential skills in leadership, finance, and organisational management, which have been invaluable.

One of the highlights was receiving the Kent MBA Women in Leadership Award. This accolade not only recognised my potential and commitment to leadership but also inspired me to continue advocating for gender equality.

Furthermore, the networking opportunities and connections I made during my MBA program allowed me to collaborate with like-minded professionals and institutions to foster a supportive environment for my gender advocacy work.

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

My advice is always to begin with a solid educational foundation. By combining an MBA with a specialised course in human rights or development will help to broaden both your leadership and sector-specific knowledge. Gaining practical experience through internships and volunteer roles will also help to fostering essential skills and building a network.

Finally – maintain passion, persistence, and a commitment to inclusivity!

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

During the Exploring Global Cultures event organised by Kent Graduate and Research College I gave a presentation on my country, Malawi. I was able to cover topics such as food, life, language, tourism and even had the whole audience up and dancing to music.

I invited my friends and teachers - and I remember my MBA Director commenting, 'Tione, that was massive!'.

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?

To be honest, I feel I made the most of my time at Kent!

I won many awards including the Gold Global Skills Award and the Super Woman Award from KBS. I was an MBA Class Representative and volunteered for the Kent Business Summit and Postgraduate Sessions. I even received two fully paid training days in London through employability points scheme.

I did my best and I am grateful and proud of all I achieved.

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics?

Yes, I’m still in touch with many academics and alumni. I have also maintained a professional relationship with KBS and was invited to speak at the MBA Guest Lecture Series in 2023 for International Women's Day.

I also attend organised KBS activities including online catch ups.

What are your future ambitions?

I have an admission to Kent for a PhD in Management with Professor George Saridakis as my first supervisor.