Joyce Banda is Malawi's new President

After much political suspense, Joyce Banda, the Vice President of Malawi was sworn in today, Saturday, April 7, becoming the first female leader of Malawi. 

Banda took over from the late Bingu wa Mutharika, who died on Friday after suffering a heart attack at the age of 78.

Her rise to national prominence emerged after her bold advocacy of women's rights, working with the National Business Women Association. Banda became Malawi's first woman Vice President in 2009.

The ceremony took place at Malawi’s parliament. Banda becomes the second female African president after Liberia's President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

The ceremony took place at Malawi’s parliament.