Read article on “Working for the community in Malawi” at mywage.org. Christina Chirombo a Community Development Assistant with the Catholic Development Commission in Malawi says she started her life as a housewife before going out to work.
By Madalitso Kateta
A Community Development Assistant with the Catholic Development Commission in Malawi, 32-year-old Christina Chirombo says she started her life as a housewife before going out to work.
“At first I was a housewife. But then my husband suggested I look for a job so as to improve the family’s income,” said Christina. “We used to have so many problems in the family as my husband's wage could not meet our daily domestic needs. But things have changed since I started working," she said.
She notes that while her job requires her to spend much of her time with the community; her husband has always supported her.
"My husband has always stood by me in my career. He has been a source of inspiration and this has kept me going,” she said.
She bemoaned the tendency by some husbands to prevent their wives from pursuing careers.
"When you are both working, it’s a blessing because you help each other. These days life is becoming expensive. Especially if you are raising children. It’s good that you understand each other,” said Christina. She said that in her opinion, many independent women were afraid to marry because of the possibility of their husbands stopping their work.
Christina said her job involves advising about 800 farmers in 21 villages. However, despite having a smooth ride with her husband, she said there have been times she has faced challenges in her workplace.
"There are some men that have been trying to make things for me as a community officer, just because I am a woman. But most of them are starting to realise that women can also be at the centre of development,” she said.
Speaking further about her family life Christina said the essence of being a career woman and being married depended on how one balanced time.
"I have to know that at one time I am a career woman, and at another I am a woman that has a husband and family,” she said.