Women’s rights activist now Malawi’s president

Prominent women’s rights campaigner Joyce Banda was sworn in as Malawi’s president on Saturday, becoming southern Africa’s first female head of state and raising hopes for a fresh start in the small, poor nation after the death of her mercurial predecessor.

Banda, 61, won international recognition for championing the education of underprivileged girls, and served as vice-president under Bingu wa Mutharika, who died on Thursday following a heart attack. She succeeded him under the terms of the constitution.

Banda took the oath of office in Lilongwe, as flags flew at half mast for Mutharika, whose death was announced Saturday.

“I want all of us to move into the future with hope and a spirit of unity,” Banda said.