NGO-GCN launches gender equality barometer
Non-Governmental Organisation Gender Coordination Network (NGO-GCN) yesterday launched a gender barometer under the Southern Africa Development Community (Sadc) Framework to advance result-oriented action in the implementation of gender equality efforts in the country.
The barometer is a tracking tool for the implementation of the Sadc Protocol on Gender and Development initially launched at regional level last August.
Speaking yesterday during the launch in Blantyre, NGO-GCN chairperson Barbara Banda stressed the importance of improving efforts, saying there is more work to be done for Malawi to reach its aspirations on gender equality.
The event took place on the sidelines of the 2020 NGC-GCN Annual General Meeting aimed at reviewing the activities of the network, among others.
Said Banda: “We are not satisfied with where we are. On the ground we see that gender equality indicators are still far from being achieved.”
“We still find that even in terms of Cabinet ministers, there are just three female ministers [of 20 seats]. These gaps are calling for action,” added Banda.
Guest of honour at the launch, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare Mary Navicha commended NGO-GCN, saying it has competently influenced policy reviews in government.
On her part, Sadc Gender Protocol Alliance chairperson for Emma Kaliya said member States in the region are doing well on education, but are lagging behind on development indicators.
