Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza, has reiterated government’s strong commitment to advancing gender equality in Malawi.She made the commitment in Lilongwe, during the launch of UN Women’s Strategic Note 2024 – 2028.
Sendeza said the government will work with all key stakeholders to ensure rights of women are advanced in the country.
“We are committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that gender equality is not just a policy but a reality for every Malawian woman and girl,” she affirmed, stressing the essential role of the government in achieving these the gender equality goals.
Speaking during the ceremony, representative of the United Nations Resident Coordinator who is Head of Office and Strategic Planner at the United Nations in Malawi, Mickelle Hughes, emphasised the importance of building long-term foundations for gender equality.
“We will build a solid foundation that will sustain gains in gender equality long after the strategy is implemented,” she said. Hughes also underscored the necessity of empowering local institutions to address the specific needs of women and girls and highlighted the role of men as allies in ending violence against women and girls.
“This strategy is not just a framework for action but a call to change mindsets and break the cycles of violence,” added Hughes.
Regional Deputy Director of UN Women, East and Southern Africa, Anna Mutavati, spoke about the significance of community-driven initiatives and a renewed focus on preventing violence against women. She pointed out that achieving true gender equality requires shifting societal attitudes and creating supportive environments for survivors.
“This strategic note represents a holistic approach, one that calls for transformative action from all sectors,” said Mutavati.
In her remarks, Chairperson of the NGO-Gender Coordination Network in Malawi and Vice Chairperson of the African Women Leaders Network, Maggie Kathewera Banda, reflected on the country’s progress since the inception of the network in 1996.
“We have come up with laws, policies, and strategies, but sometimes what is on paper doesn’t translate into action,” she acknowledged. Despite these challenges, Banda expressed confidence in the continued push for gender equality and applauded UN Women for its impactful interventions.
Banda also emphasised the network’s readiness to collaborate in implementing the strategic note’s goals. “As NGO GCN, we are available to work together to ensure these initiatives reach every corner of Malawi, The network, which has 63 local organisations spread across all regions of the country, is well-positioned to implement gender equality projects and produce measurable outcomes,” she said.
The launch of UN Women’s strategic note marks a pivotal moment in Malawi’s ongoing efforts to achieve gender equality. With strong support from the government, UN Women, and local networks, the strategy aims to create an environment where women and girls can thrive, free from violence, and fully participate in the nation’s development.
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