Invest in equality, women empowerment—Minister
Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Jean Sendeza has called for increased investment in gender equality and women empowerment efforts to build a more inclusive and prosperous Malawi.
Addressing the media in Lilongwe yesterday ahead of the International Women’s Day on March 8, the minister said while the National Gender Policy recommends that one percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) should be invested in gender programmes in all sectors, government is currently operating at a paltry 0.2 percent.
Said Sendeza: “Due to these financing gaps, our women and girls encounter significant gender-based inequalities such as gender-based violence and they become easy targets for human trafficking.
“Overall, these inequalities hinder development of our families, communities and the nation as a whole.”
She said the ministry in line with this year’s theme ‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress’, is focusing on five key areas, namely investing in women, ending poverty, shifting to green economy and care society, supporting gender change makers and implementation of gender-responsive financing.
In her remarks, United Nations Women national programmes officer Pamela Mkwamba said Malawi has a long way to go in addressing gender inequalities, hence the need for support from various stakeholders
She said: “Women are still experiencing high levels of gender-based violence, we are still behind in providing equal opportunities and economic empowerment.”
United States Agency for International Develeopment Momentum Tiyeni Project chief of party Olive Mtema said they are concentrating on the health and well-being of women and the girl child to enable them participate in the country’s socio-economic activities.
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality, highlighting the importance of gender equality, women’s and girls’ empowerment, and their rights to healthier lives.
Locally, the day will be commemorated on Friday at Jenda in Mzimba where First Lady Monica Chakwera is expected to grace the occasion.
