European Union (EU) has acknowledged efforts by the Malawi Government in empowering young women to participate in politics.
Speaking during the opening of a Southern Africa Academy for Young Women’s Empowerment in Lilongwe, EU Social Sector Team Leader Michele Crimella said Malawi should be commended for starting the project last year.
Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza, said government is creating a conducive space for young women to participate in the political arena, with some of them taking influential positions in government and agencies.
Rumbidzai Nhundu, Principal Adviser for International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), said Malawi has a progressive legislative framework that encourages men and boys to be involved in tackling issues of women empowerment in politics, a move he described as crucial.
The EU, in collaboration with Funded Women & Youth Democratic Engagement and UN Women, organised the Young Women’s Empowerment Academy.
The Academy targets a group of young women with political ambitions and those already active in politics from Southern Africa countries.
By Abdul-Rahim Kamwana
