Malawian lawmaker Silvester Ayuba James is facing a social media backlash over comments that many users say demean women and discourage female entrepreneurship.
The criticism follows remarks attributed to the Member of Parliament and lawyer in response to a Facebook post by Michelle Mbilizi, who sought business advice on how to invest K10 million (about US$6,000).
“I am in Lilongwe and have K10 million. What business would you advise me to do? I have never done business before,” Mbilizi wrote.
According to screenshots circulating online, Ayuba responded by suggesting that if the person seeking advice was a woman, she should first find a “blesser”, a term commonly used to refer to an older man who provides financial support in exchange for a relationship.
“If she is a woman, she needs to find three blessers before we can even start talking about putting that money into anything called business,” the comment reads.
“Ndalama yachepa kwambiri. She must start with beansness”, he emphasised, while employing a derogatory slang often used to describe transanctional sex.
The remarks triggered widespread criticism, with some users accusing the lawmaker of reinforcing stereotypes about female entrepreneurs.
Responding to the comments, Mbilizi questioned why a public official would suggest that women can only succeed through relationships with wealthy men fueling their lifestyle in exchange for sex.
“Very disappointing comment coming from a lawmaker, a Member of Parliament and a lawyer,” she wrote.
