By Donald Zimba
Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare on Friday held the first official national celebration of the International Day of Families at Mtandire in Lilongwe, reaffirming government’s commitment to promoting strong and resilient families.
The event, held under the theme of ‘Togetherness and family unity’ was graced by Deputy Minister of Gender, Halima Daud, who encouraged communities to embrace the spirit of family as a foundation for national development.
“Strong families are the foundation of strong communities. We must continue nurturing them with love, responsibility, and care,” said Daud.
The United Nations designated observance of the day, commemorated annually on May 15, highlights the important role families play in shaping social development and unity.
Member of Parliament for Mtsiliza Constituency, George Zulu, expressed gratitude for choosing his area to host the event.
“This is a strong reminder that family is the starting point of progress. When families are not strong, the development of our communities is also affected,” Zulu said.
The Ministry used the event to spotlight various family-related challenges affecting Malawi.
The country continues to experience high divorce rates, nearly half of all first marriages end within 20 years.
Gender-based violence (GBV) also remains a pressing concern, with 24.3 percent of women and girls aged 15–49 having experienced intimate partner violence in the past year.
In addition, 38% of girls are married before the age of 18, and 8 percent before 15.
Violence against children is widespread, with 82% experiencing violent discipline at home, and 17% facing severe forms of abuse. Rapid urbanization has further contributed to the rise in street-connected children, child maintenance cases, family disputes, and mental health challenges.
To address these issues, the Ministry is implementing a range of interventions aimed at strengthening family structures. These include Positive Parenting initiatives, child protection case management, economic empowerment programs, and national efforts like the Social Protection for Gender Empowerment and Resilience (SP-GEAR) and the National Social Support Programme (NSSP).
The Ministry is also promoting alternative care reform programs that support family-based care, ensuring that children grow in nurturing and protective environments. Community-based child protection structures and referral systems for abused and neglected children have also been enhanced.
Additionally, outreach and advocacy campaigns are being intensified in both rural and urban settings to raise awareness on GBV prevention, gender equality, and child protection.
The event featured various cultural activities and pavilion displays, delivering key messages to the public on the importance of building and maintaining strong families for national growth and harmony.
