Gender Observatory and tracker, a milestone towards gender equality in Malawi

Today marked an important milestone for gender equality in Malawi, the Women's Legal Resources Centre (WOLREC) launched the Gender Observatory and Gender Tracker, platforms that aim to monitor, analyse, and report on gender equality and the advancement of women's rights in Malawi.

The Gender Observatory is a central hub for data, knowledge, and analysis related to gender issues, facilitating evidence-based policymaking and interventions.

With funding from the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), WOLREC is adopting the concept of the Gender Observatory and Tracker at the national level to track what is being achieved regarding Gender Equality and Women's empowerment.

WOLREC Executive Director Maggie Kathewera Banda has since described the Gender Observatory as a vital milestone in the continued pursuit of gender equality, accountability, and the realisation of the Women’s Manifesto in Malawi.

She said the platform will respond to critical questions in line with the 15 thematic areas of the second edition of the Women's Manifesto.

Said Kathewera Banda: “The Women’s Manifesto is a roadmap that outlines our aspirations, priorities, and non-negotiables in the spheres of politics, economics, health, education, governance and many other areas. But a manifesto without monitoring is like a promise without action. That is why today’s launch of the Gender Observatory is so critical.”

She called for collaboration in building accountability and encouraging progress.

“We know that transformation is a journey, and we are here to walk that path—together with government, with civil society, and with the women of Malawi. A country that empowers its women is a country that thrives in development, democracy, and peace,” she stated.

Launching the Gender Observatory and Gender Tracker, Deputy Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Halima Daud, commended WOLREC for spearheading the initiative.

She hailed the UK government through the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for supporting the initiative adding that the platform will serve as a check on whether commitments to the Women's Manifesto are being achieved across different sectors.

“It will also ensure that actions are not left halfway, but seen through to real change,” she said.

In her speech, Head of Political and Governance, British High Commission in Malawi, Natalie Mitchell-Bennett said the Observatory has come at a pivotal time.

She emphasised the need to empower women to take active roles in the political space ahead of the upcoming General Elections in September.

“It is a bold step forward in ensuring that policies are not just written but lived,” said Mitchell-Bennett.

Among activities, stakeholders from the government, Women Rights Organisations and other partners held a panel discussion on the Gender Observatory during the launch.