Inspiring Leadership: Women Police Officers Find Hope in IG Merlyn Yolamu
Yolamu is the second woman to hold a prestigious position in the police force and is highly respected for her outstanding performance.
LILONGWE, Malawi - Women police officers across the country are finding new inspiration and motivation in the capable leadership of Inspector General of Police, Merlyn Yolamu, writes Christopher Jimu.
Yolamu, who ascended through the ranks to become the second woman to hold this prestigious position, continues to earn respect within the police force for her outstanding performance.
Former Inspector General Lot Dzonzi had presciently predicted Yolamu's rise to the top.
He praised her attributes, noting, "She is very humble and a natural leader apart from being highly qualified. I will not be surprised if one day she becomes an IG."
President Chakwera, heeding Dzonzi's vision, appointed Yolamu to the post last year.
Since then, Yolamu has led the police force with utmost professionalism, inspiring more women officers to aim for excellence.
"We are happy as women officers because we know that we have a chance to rise to any post in the Police if we are diligent and work hard. Madam IG is our role model, and we just thank the President for appointing her to such a high post," said one officer based at Kawale Police.
Another officer based in Madisi emphasized how the position of IG has historically been dominated by men, but now, the entire service believes that anything is possible.
She stated, "We can as well start dreaming. Initially, timadziyang’anila pansi {looking down upon oneself}, but now we know we too can make it to any position in the Police Service. We are happy with our IG even if some NGOs wanted her out of office. But that is a difficult position, and she is handling it very well. We are happy for her."
Yolamu's exemplary leadership has been rewarded with a three-year contract extension, further cementing confidence in her abilities.
The soft-spoken and humble Yolamu hails from Mchinji and is known for her strong religious beliefs.
Under her leadership, the women police officers in the country are forging ahead with renewed vigour, inspired by the knowledge that their potential for advancement within the police force is limitless.
Inspector General Merlyn Yolamu's journey from rank-and-file to the pinnacle of the police hierarchy serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment for women officers nationwide.