The Malawi UNFPA Representative, Violet Kakyomya leaves UNFPA just after one eventful year in Malawi and she prepares to undertake another responsibility at UNDP as a Resident Coordinator in Madagascar. Having arrived at a time when Malawi was experiencing devastating floods in January 2015 in 15 districts, UNFPA was vigilant and provided active humanitarian response to all women, girls and young people during the floods. Throughout the year, she has made significant improvements and successes in the areas of youth programmes, sexual and reproductive health, HIV and AIDS as well as in Gender Equality and Women empowerment among other areas.

“I have enjoyed working with you all and I am happy to see that I have taken many of you further than I was coming, I appreciate for all the good things and while I feel sad to leave, I am happy for what I have achieved together with you in the past one year” she said as she addressed all UNFPA staff in her farewell speech.

Speaking on behalf of all the staff, Bernard Mijoni, who is the chairperson of the Social Welfare committee at UNFPA thanked Violet for her direction and guidance in the daily activities at UNFPA. In a poem composed by Humphreys Shumba, HIV Prevention Officer, Violet is described as a leader, a mother, a friend, the uniting figure and professional.

The staff presented her with a gift of an artwork that will remind her of Malawi as she leaves and starts another life in Madagascar.