Reported Lisa Kadango Malango in New York, USA
First Lady, Madam Monica Chakwera says Malawi has made significant strides to empower girls through different ways as part of the “We are equal campaign” that is being championed globally.
Madam Chakwera made the remarks on Tuesday in New York during the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) We Are Equal Campaign Conference that was held at the Ford Foundation Centre for Social Justice in the United States of America where she is attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
She said since the launch of the campaign in September 2023, through the national girls’ mentorship programme, Malawi has connected over 250 girls with women professionals, empowering them with role models who have excelled in higher education.
Madam Chakwera further told the gathering that through the campaign, 160 women have been supported to establish stable income-generating activities, contributing to their economic independence.
“For us, closing the gender gap in education, health, and economic empowerment is not just a goal, but a necessity that requires our dedication now more than ever. Recently, we engaged 150 paramount and senior chiefs advocating for girls’ education, reducing teenage pregnancies and child marriages including fighting cervical cancer.“Moving forward, our chiefs have agreed to carry advocacy on education and enforcing local by laws that support the cause. Through my foundation, my office is ready to scale up such efforts nationwide, providing education bursaries and advocating for sexual and reproductive health,” said Madam Chakwera.
She has since commended OAFLAD, government ministries and partners for their support adding the meeting has paved the way for a brighter future in which women and girls’ potential can flourish.
Oh her part, Nardos Berhanu, Executive Secretary for OAFLAD said We Are Equal campaign is putting more emphasis on the urgency of advancing gender equity and closing the gender gap in Africa.
She said First Ladies will continue advocating for gender-inclusive policies in four key action areas namely health care, gender-based violence, education and economic empowerment.
She said,” On February 2023, the 27th General Assembly approved the introduction of a new flagship campaign for OAFLAD. By June 2023, the We Are Equal campaign was officially launched in Kinshasa during OAFLADs 20th anniversary celebration. To date, 18 countries have launched this campaign, each championing specific issues the pillars mentioned.
Meanwhile, OAFLAD has called for renewed action and urgency to close the gender gap in Africa saying this is not an act of charity but justice, common sense and utmost priority.
“The renewed actions include leading and making decisions through a gender lens, upholding and enacting laws protecting girls and women’s rights, and strengthening primary health care, among others.
We Are Equal campaign was established to close the gender gap in Africa.
