Besties & Brunch Inspires Women to Own Their Next Chapter

Posted 26 September 2026 by Sunbird Marketing

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Women from diverse backgrounds gathered at Sunbird Mount Soche for an inspiring morning of conversations, connections and reflection at this year's Besties & Brunch, held under the theme "Own Your Next Chapter."

The event brought together women at different stages of their personal, professional and entrepreneurial journeys, creating a platform for meaningful conversations around growth, leadership, ambition and personal reinvention.

Opening the event, Sunbird's Temwa Kanjadza emphasized the importance of creating spaces where women can connect, learn from one another and draw inspiration to pursue their aspirations with renewed confidence.

The gathering featured keynote speakers Mrs Temwa Simwaka, Chief Executive Officer of NBS Bank; Ms Sarah Mayuni; and Madam Lily Alfonso, who shared their experiences, insights and perspectives with the audience.

The central message of the event was one of encouragement: that it is never too late to pursue a dream, restart a journey or embrace a new chapter in life.

Participants were encouraged to reflect on aspirations they may have placed on hold and to give themselves permission to begin again.

"Sometimes, owning your next chapter simply means giving yourself permission to begin again," was one of the key messages shared during the event.

Head of Sales, Marketing and Distribution, Temwa Kanjadza commented, "The event also highlighted Sunbird's broader commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, particularly our focus on creating opportunities for women to thrive, develop their careers and take leadership roles".

Kanjadza further commented, "Sunbird is working towards increasing women's representation across the organization, with an ambition of achieving 40 percent representation by 2030. The company's commitment extends beyond its own workforce to supporting women within the communities and stakeholder groups in which it operates".

The focus includes empowering women to pursue their ambitions, grow their businesses, advance their careers and contribute meaningfully to leadership and development.

The event underscored the broader economic and social value of women's empowerment, with the message that when women grow, families, businesses, communities and economies grow.

Beyond the inspirational conversations, Besties & Brunch provided an opportunity for participants to build new relationships, exchange ideas and explore opportunities for collaboration and mutual support.

The event also encouraged women to leave with at least one tangible takeaway — whether an idea, a new connection, renewed confidence or the motivation to take action.

In keeping with its name, the gathering combined meaningful conversations with brunch, laughter and social interaction, creating an atmosphere in which participants could connect beyond their professional roles and responsibilities.

The event concluded with a call for women to take ownership of their aspirations and confidently embrace what lies ahead.

"Your next chapter is yours to write. Own your dreams. Own your ambitions. Own your growth. Own your voice. And most importantly, own your next chapter," was the message to participants.

For the women who attended, Besties & Brunch was more than a social gathering. It was a reminder that every chapter — whether marked by success, change, uncertainty or a fresh beginning — presents an opportunity to grow, reconnect with purpose and write the next part of one's story.

About Sunbird Hotels and Resorts:

Sunbird Hotels and Resorts is Malawi's leading hotel chain with 9 properties including four city hotels in all three regions of Malawi namely; Sunbird Capital, Sunbird Mount Soche, Sunbird Lilongwe, and Sunbird Mzuzu, three popular beach resorts along Lake Malawi namely; Sunbird Waterfront, Sunbird Livingstonia, Sunbird Nkopola, a beachside Inn on the northern lakeshore, Sunbird Chintheche, and an iconic mountain resort in the former capital city of Zomba; Sunbird Kuchawe. Sunbird Hotels and Resorts, the home of hospitality is known for offering excellent and personalized services, great cuisine and comfortable accommodation.

For further information:
Sunbird Marketing
Email: temwa@sunbirdmalawi.com