As Malawi marks 25 years of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, women leaders are intensifying efforts to strengthen peacebuilding at the community level.
Network of African Women in Conflict Prevention and Mediation (FemWise) Malawi Chapter, in partnership with key peace actors and government agencies, is implementing activities that are aimed at reinforcing the country’s peace structures.
This initiative was convened in Mponela, Dowa, for a peer-learning and review meeting focused on women’s roles in conflict prevention and the promotion of peaceful and safe societies.
According to Tamanya Mfune Nanseta from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services, who is also a FemWise member, the FemWise Malawi Chapter, launched in 2023, is empowering women to mediate and prevent conflicts in districts such as Karonga, Mangochi, Machinga, and Mulanje.
“FemWise Malawi was formed to promote peace and ensure women take part in decision-making and conflict prevention,” she said.
For his part, Emmanuel Bambe, Director of Peace and National Unity, stressed that peace remains the foundation of national development.
“We are piloting peace and security programs in selected districts, but our goal is to ensure women’s representation in all Peace and Unity Committees nationwide,” he said.
From the development partners’ side, UN Women Programme Specialist Victor Maulidi emphasized that peace goes beyond the absence of war.
“When conflict arises, it’s women who suffer most,” he said, adding that the organization is working to strengthen collaboration to ensure women lead conversations around peace and conflict prevention,” Maulidi said.
The meeting brought together women from across Malawi to review progress and set new strategies for advancing peace and security in their communities.
By Mirriam Kaliza
