First Lady Monica Chakwera leaves the country today for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to attend the 29th General Assembly of the Organisation of Africa First Ladies for Development (Oaflad) slated for February 12 to 16 2025.
In an interview yesterday, technical meetings head of the assembly Doreen Namagetsi Ali, who is also Ministry of Health director of reproductive health and Oaflad Malawi Chapter chairperson, said the First Lady will use the visit to report on the interventions delivered.
She said Chakwera will also for funding and partnerships aimed at mobilising funds to support adolescent girls’ and boys’ reproductive health, education and economic empowerment programmes in the country.
Ali further said Chakwera will also take advantage of meeting to advocate for increased support to expand youth employment programmes.
“The visit will reinforce Malawi’s international influence, positioning it as a leading advocate for gender equality and youth empowerment in Africa,” she said.
According to Ali, the First Lady will also drum up increased investment in Malawian girls and women by engaging with Plan International, Global Girls Foundation, and other key partners.
According to information published on Oaflad website, this year’s assembly provides the member States such as Malawi and development partners the opportunity to engage in ‘transformative discussions.’
The meeting will take place on the margins of the Africa Union General Assembly and will be held under the theme ‘Building on Beijing: First ladies championing women’s leadership and rights through African heritage.’
