By MANA
Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Mary Navicha has called for increased investment in girls and young women, saying Malawi cannot achieve meaningful and inclusive development if girls continue to face barriers that limit their leadership potential.
Navicha made the remarks on Wednesday during the Women’s Leadership Breakfast Meeting organised by CARE Malawi in collaboration with Standard Bank Malawi at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe.
She said despite progress in promoting gender equality, many girls in Malawi continue to face challenges including child marriage, teenage pregnancy, gender-based violence, school dropout and poverty, which hinder their ability to realise their full potential.
Navicha said girls remain ambitious and resilient, but require opportunities, mentorship and strong support systems to enable them to thrive and become future leaders.
The Minister commended CARE Malawi and Standard Bank Malawi for organising the event, describing it as a strategic platform that brought together leaders from government, Parliament, the private sector, civil society and development partners to advance girls’ empowerment and women’s leadership.She also welcomed commitments made during the event, where leaders pledged support towards mentorship, scholarships, internships and other initiatives aimed at empowering girls and young women.
Navicha further called on government institutions, development partners, the private sector and women leaders to work together in creating opportunities for girls, saying investment in girls today is key to building future leaders and achieving inclusive national development.
Speaking at the same event, CARE Malawi Country Director Pamela Kuwali said the gathering was aimed at celebrating and honouring women who have broken barriers and risen to leadership positions, particularly female Cabinet Ministers whose leadership continues to inspire young girls.
Kuwali emphasised the need to strengthen solidarity among women leaders through mentorship, collaboration and knowledge sharing across different sectors.
She described the event as a safe space for women to reconnect, exchange ideas and build networks that can contribute to lasting social change.
Standard Bank Malawi Head of Brand and Marketing Tamanda Ng’ombe said the bank partnered with CARE Malawi to support maternal health and girls’ mentorship programmes aimed at empowering women and girls.
The event brought together women leaders, policymakers, development partners and private sector stakeholders under the theme “Women Rising Together
