NEW : Joyce Banda is known for her efforts at women 's empowerment . Longtime women 's rights activist and Malawian Vice President Joyce Banda took charge of her homeland Saturday , ending two days of political intrigue after the death of President Bingu wa Mutharika . She was the first woman to be elected as a member of parliament in South Africa and she has been involved with many other initiatives that have helped empower women, including helping them get an education. President Bingu wa Mutharika died after a heart attack Thursday . Some express hope that his passing will help bring change .
NEW : Joyce Banda is known for her efforts at women 's empowerment . She was the first woman to be elected as a member of parliament in South Africa and she has been involved with many other initiatives that have helped empower women, including helping them get an education. President Bingu wa Mutharika died after a heart attack Thursday . Some express hope that his passing will help bring change .