Source: The Sowetan
THE ascendency of Joyce Banda to power in Malawi is an achievement, but it may not necessarily mean much for the women of that country beyond the symbolism.

Banda's new position is significant because, save for a few exceptions, women in Africa hardly ever make it to the top of the table.

The story of Africa is often the story of powerful men only.

But Banda's elevation doesn't automatically mean the status of women in Malawi, especially poor women, has changed or will change for the better.

Internationally, there are examples of women whose leadership in their respective countries suggest that women don't necessarily benefit from having one of their own at the helm.

It is well documented that there is nothing former British leader Margaret Thatcher did to change women's lives in that part of the world.

Benazir Bhutto, the first woman to lead in a Muslim country, Pakistan, had stated during campaigning and after winning elections that she intended to empower women. She introduced new policies but could not implement them.

Currently, it is not clear whether the status of women under Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is changing for the better. Sirleaf is seen to be close to notorious warlord Prince Johnson.

The jury is still out on Dilma Rousseff, the president of Brazil.

Although in South Africa we have never had a woman president, we have had women premiers whose positions gave them opportunities to propose and implement bills at the provincial legislatures that would have brought changes to the lives of women.

They are in charge of provincial governments. But so far none of them has championed any project aimed at empowering women.

They do not get elected because they are feminist and that they will ensure that young girls are not forced into marriage, protect women and girls from being sexually abused, empower them economically and protect them from crime.

But as women who understand the suffering of fellow women, we expect a lot from them. They can easily retort that they operate within male-dominated structures. Even so, their political power presents an opportunity for them to alter the boys' club.

Their failure to effect changes does not mean they cannot lead. It's up to Banda and many other like her in positions of power in government and the private sector all over the continent to ensure that they create a better future for women.