On Friday, May 16, Malawi commemorated the International Day of Families in Lilongwe under the theme “Family and Urbanisation”. Presiding over the event, Deputy Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Honourable Halima Daud MP, highlighted the critical role that families play in the development of society.

 

She emphasised that families are the first source of education, healthcare, and support, and that strong families lead to strong nations. She described the commemoration as timely, coming at a time when families are facing challenges which have been caused by, among other things, urbanisation.

"Malawi experiences relatively high divorce rates compared to other Sub-Saharan African countries. Nearly half of all first marriages end in divorce within 20 years." She said.

 

According to the Deputy Minister, urban life has also affected children, with rising cases of child marriage, children living on the streets, and a growing number of children without parental care.

 

She expressed the Government's commitment to ensuring that women, men, youth, children, persons with disabilities and the elderly have a voice in the shaping of policies and services that affect family life.

 

She urged development partners, civil society, and the public to join hands in strengthening families. International Day of Families is commemorated globally on May 15 every year.