AU pushes for gender laws promotion

The African Union (AU) regional delegate for Southern Africa and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) has proposed that all organisations not implementing gender equality laws must be taxed to improve gender-related issues in the country.

Speaking yesterday during a country level consultative meeting in preparation for the upcoming 37th Southern African Development Community (Sadc) summit in Lilongwe, the AU delegate Mgono August said Malawi, just like other countries in Africa, must take action on organisations failing to abide by the gender equality principles in the country.

“Malawi has good gender principles on paper but not in practice. So, punishment must be imposed on all institutions failing to implement these gender principles,” he said.

August also said Malawi must stop focusing on introducing new gender laws, but should rather focus on implementing already existing ones.

Reacting to the proposal, Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Chief Director Chimwemwe Banda said there is need to discuss the proposal with other stakeholders before it goes to Parliament.

In her remarks, Parliamentary Women Caucus chairperson for Malawi and Sadc Jessie Kabwila said Malawians should work hand in hand in ensuring that there is tax justice in the country.

“Gender equality activities must be funded with more money as a way of giving back to poor people, the majority of whom are women,” she said.

Action Aid Malawi funded the country level meeting to provide a platform for Malawians to discuss gender related issues that representatives should carry to the upcoming Sadc summit of Heads of State and Government.

This year’s meeting has been scheduled for August 15 to 17 in Johannesburg, South Africa.  n