Women's Manifesto Movement dates Minister of Gender

Reaffirming a shared commitment to advance gender equality and end violence, the Women’s Manifesto Movement on Friday paid a courtesy call to the Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Mary Navicha, in Lilongwe.

The delegation included the Pamodzi Kuthetsa Nkhanza (PKN) consortium, comprising the Women’s Legal Resources Centre (WOLREC), Girls Empowerment Network (GENET), and Human Rights for Women and Girls with Disabilities in Malawi (HRWGDM), along with other partners, NGO-Gender Coordination Network and Oxfam in Malawi.

The Minister applauded the partnership, highlighting PKN’s key role in supporting the review of the National Action Plan and the 16 Days of Activism.

This was made possible with funding from the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office through the What Works to Prevent Violence Programme.

She said "This collaboration is key to strengthening the implementation of programmes that promote gender equality and protect women’s rights."

Leading the delegation, WOLREC Executive Director Maggie Kathewera Banda—also NGO-GCN Chairperson and originator of the Women’s Manifesto—emphasised that the women’s rights organisations remain committed to complementing government efforts in addressing the challenges facing women and girls.

"Across communities, we are working to amplify women’s voices, promote gender equality, respond to gender-based violence, and expand opportunities for economic and social empowerment," said Kathewera Banda.

During the courtesy call, the movement handed over the Women's Manifesto to the Minister, a document that consolidates the voices and priorities of Malawian women from diverse backgrounds.