Government Calls for Action on Gender Equality
Government says it is time Malawi and the rest of the world moved from rhetoric to action on issues of women empowerment and gender equality.
Speaking during the International Women’s Day commemorations in Phalombe, Minister of Labour and Manpower Development Henry Mussa, who was the guest of honour, said the need to have gender equality in all spheres is eminent.
“We are being challenged to implement practical mechanisms for achieving the absolute protection, promotion and emancipation of our women and girls. The promotion of women’s emancipation is the means to the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of women,” he said.
Musa further added that, Malawi is signatory to international and regional legal instruments which promote gender equality and women empowerment, therefore it was time to show commitment to achieving the objectives outlined in the instruments.
The country is party to the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW); the African Union Protocol on Women’s Rights; and the SADC Gender and Development Protocol, among others.
“What is common in all these instruments is the emphasis on the emancipation of women focusing on eradication of violence against women and girls including battering, child marriages, sexual abuse, property grabbing, among others,” he added.
Minister responsible for Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Patricia Kaliati said the importance of investing in women and girls cannot be underestimated.
“Sustainable and equitable development can be achieved in Malawi if there is quality participation of women, girls and indeed all gender groups in all development interventions. There is evidence beyond any reasonable doubt that allowing women, girls, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups participate in development interventions, enables them play stronger roles in their communities and countries which result in sustainable and equitable development,” she said.
This year’s International Women’s Day commemoration was held In Phalombe, as a way of government showcasing its commitment to helping those affected by the recent disaster in the country especially women and girls.
More than 7,143 households from Traditional Authorities Jenala, Mkhumi and Nkhulani have been affected with 5,249 male and 8,526 female children. The floods have also destroyed 26 Community Based Child Care (CBCC) Centres in the areas.
However, reports of abuse and harassment including sexual harassment against women and girls have been reported in areas struck by the disaster. Government has pledged to punish all those perpetrating violence. The government has also called for awareness campaigns to ensure women and girls are protected.
Alice Shackleford, UN Women Resident representative said that though there have been achievements in the gender equality sector, there still is a long way ahead to the achievement of total gender equality.
“Gender equality is critical for development. If we all work together we will achieve our goals. There needs to be zero tolerance to among other things harmful traditional practices,” she added.
She further said the passing in parliament of the Marriage and Family Relations and Trafficking in Persons Bills, together with the launch of the HeForShe campaign, are significant to the promotion of gender equality.
In her remarks, chairperson for NGO Gender Coordination Network (GCN), Emma Kaliya assured those affected by the disaster that the nation was with them in thought and prayer. She also emphasised the need to give women their rights.
“Women should not be asking or requesting for their rights. Let us promote the rights of all because everyone has rights regardless of the sex, age, or social status in society,” she added.
International Women’s Day is commemorated globally each year on 8th March, with the purpose of celebrating women’s economic, social and political achievements. This year’s celebration was under the theme ‘Make it Happen.’