By Burnett Munthali
Janet Zeenat Karim, a renowned Malawian author, journalist, and former diplomat, has left an indelible mark on her country’s media landscape.
Born in 1954, Karim’s journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication to press freedom and women’s empowerment.
Karim’s early life was shaped by her father’s diplomatic career, which took her to London, New York, and Addis Ababa.
While in New York, she graduated from Scarsdale High School in 1972.
She later returned to Malawi, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Malawi in 1978, and an Honors degree (History) in 1979, and a master’s degree in global development and social justice from St. John’s University in 2015.
Karim’s career in journalism began at the Malawi Daily Times, the country’s only newspaper at the time.
She later became an assistant editor at Malawi News, before founding her own publishing company, Now Publications, which published Woman Now magazine, the first women’s magazine in Malawi, and later, from 1993, The Independent newspaper.
Her publications unwaveringly and without fear voiced opposition to the policies of the former autocratic and new democratic ruling governments, showcasing her courage and commitment to press freedom.
In addition to her journalistic endeavors, Karim founded the Malawi Media Women’s Association, which helped establish Dzimwe Community Radio Station with assistance from UNESCO and USAID.
She has also been an advocate for women’s rights and safety and was active in the Society of Women Living with AIDS.
Karim’s diplomatic career took her to the Permanent Mission of Malawi to the United Nations, where she served from 2007 to 2015, working on social, cultural, and human rights issues.
She also served as the Mission’s Elections Officer and editor of numerous Mission publications, such as Malawi Diplomatic Extraordinaire.
She represented Malawi at UNICEF and other UN agencies and was elected as Vice President for the UN Women Executive Board in 2013.
Her role in these bodies cemented Malawi’s reputation on the global stage.
Karim’s contributions to Malawian journalism and women’s empowerment have been recognized, with her being identified as one of the country’s few well-known female writers, alongside Emily Mkamanga and Walije Gondwe.
Janet Karim is a prolific Malawian journalist and diplomat with several notable publications.
One of her notable works is “The Independent Press in Malawi: A Critical Analysis” (1994), a critical examination of the independent press in Malawi, showcasing Karim’s expertise in journalism and media analysis.
Other notable publications include the analysis titled Brilliant! One Year with Dr. Joyce Banda, (a booklet that looked into former President Joyce Banda’s first year in office (2012-2013), and children’s books such as Zinyama Village Road (2016), Grandma’s Garden, A Girl Called Gaborone, and recently a 3-year journal titled 365 Days of Gratitude.
Such prolific writing demonstrates Karim’s versatility as a writer.
Karim has also written articles for various publications, including the Maravi Post, the Malawi Nation, and African Global Village.
She’s an advocate for women’s rights and empowerment and has spoken about the importance of including women in the media.
Her work has made significant contributions to Malawian journalism and civil rights of men, women, and youth, particularly the girl child, cementing her legacy as a trailblazing journalist and diplomat.
Janet Karim is a multifaceted personality who has worn many hats throughout her illustrious career.
As an author, journalist, former diplomat, and currently a high school teacher, Karim has made significant contributions to various fields.
Her experience spans over four decades, during which she has worked tirelessly to promote press freedom, women’s empowerment, and social justice.
Karim’s diplomatic career took her to the Malawi Mission, where she served from 2007 to 2015.
During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in shaping Malawi’s foreign policy and representing the country on the global stage, speaking out against child marriage and advocating for the rights of the elderly.
Notably, Karim was also the Vice President of UN Women, where she championed the cause of women’s empowerment and advocated for the presence of UN Women in Malawi.
A proud graduate of the University of Malawi (UNIMA), Karim obtained her undergraduate degree in 1978 and a postgraduate degree in History in 1979.
Her academic background has served as a solid foundation for her distinguished career in journalism, diplomacy, and teaching.
Throughout her career, Karim has remained committed to promoting women’s rights and empowerment, leaving an indelible mark on Malawi’s media landscape and beyond.
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Janet Zeenat Karim, M.A.
Author/SPED Teacher – Geometry, English, History / Communications
Professional Model UN Sponsor
M.A. Sociology (Global Development & Social Justice), St. John’s University, NY
“If You are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people.” – Asian Proverb
“Never stop LEARNING because life never stops TEACHING.”
