Minister hails women empowerment campaign
Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Cecilia Chazama says ignorance of laws that protect women is fueling gender-based violence (GBV).
She was speaking on Friday during Oxfam’s 50-50 Elect Her and Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (Evawg) campaigns in her constituency in Lunzu, Blantyre where she presided over a bicycle distribution ceremony.
“UN [United Nations] Women has helped the Women’s Caucus to translate laws for Malawi women, which are now available in the vernacular language so that women can easily fight injustices,” said the minister.
Chazama said Oxfam and other organisations have drilled boreholes and provided health services that target women and children in constituencies of the 32 women legislators.
She asked journalists to help women by conducting checks not only in politics, but the public and private sector on whether the 2013 Gender Act is being used.
On her part, Oxfam deputy country director Lingalireni Mihowa said profiling women’s political leadership and drumming up their support is very important.
“The Constitution is very clear on women’s rights in terms of their participation in decision making and also political processes,” she said.
Mihowa said the women’s caucus has registered good gender legislation and good policies in terms of services such as education, health, water and agriculture.
On the practicality of this years’ 50:50 Campaign, Mihowa said they are confident it will bear results as it has started early with effective coordination with the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare and other partners.
The bicycle and materials programme for community volunteers, which will cover all 32 constituencies with female MPs, is being funded by ElectricAid and Oxfam Ireland.
