When Pilirani Buleya declared her political ambitions in 2023, she wasn’t just seeking office—she was answering a lifelong calling. Today, as the Shadow Member of Parliament for Lilongwe Nkhoma Constituency, Buleya is making headlines for more than politics. Her hands-on efforts to combat hunger in her home village have earned her widespread respect, especially among women and youth.
“Politics has always been in me,” Buleya says with conviction. “Since primary school, I’ve felt this urge to lead and serve. But it was in 2020 that I seriously began exploring how to get involved and make a difference.”
Her turning point came when she witnessed firsthand the hardships her community was facing. Food insecurity was among the most pressing issues. In response, she initiated a bold agricultural project in 2023: a communal farm for her village. “I provided the seeds and fertilizer, while the villagers contributed labor,” she explains. “We planted maize on one acre of land, and by 2024 we had harvested 12 bags.”
Rather than distributing the food immediately, Buleya waited until the hunger season—between January and February—when families are most vulnerable. The food was then shared among households, and her initiative saved the village from experiencing severe hunger that year.
Word of her success quickly spread to neighboring villages. Many began calling on her to replicate the same model in their communities—and to lead them politically.
Buleya’s journey in politics has not been without obstacles. As the only woman among eight initial aspirants for the parliamentary seat, she faced both gender bias and financial hardship. “Finances are my biggest challenge,” she admits. “But what keeps me going is my honesty. I never promise what I can’t deliver.”
Following the party primaries, the number of candidates dropped to three. Buleya remains the sole woman still standing—and her support base continues to grow. “People are backing me because they’ve seen what I can do. I’m running against individuals who’ve already failed my area. The people want real change.”
As the official campaign period approaches, she is preparing for a demanding road ahead. Transport remains a significant hurdle. “Some parts of my constituency require vehicles to access, while others can only be reached by bike,” she says. “If I had better transport, I could reach more people more effectively.” She also hopes to secure campaign materials such as T-shirts, calendars, and posters to amplify her message.
Despite the challenges, Buleya remains optimistic and offers heartfelt advice to fellow women eyeing leadership roles. “Stick to your vision and strategies. Be courageous. We must believe in ourselves,” she says. “Even when we’re up against men, we can succeed. Don’t lose hope.”
As the race for Lilongwe Nkhoma heats up, one thing is clear: Pilirani Buleya is not just campaigning for office—she’s cultivating a legacy of empowerment, self-reliance, and hope.
