Gender inequality worries activists

Gender inequality in politics and decision- making positions in public institutions where women representation is low remains a major concern to activists, NGO-Gender Coordination Network NGO-GCN has observed.

Civil Liberties Committee (Cilic), and the NGO-GCN, on Monday engaged officials at Mulanje District Council and chiefs to share with them measures being taken to bridge the gap between men and women.

Cilic programmes officer Felix Chikalira told the participants it is of great concern that, despite several protocols Malawi signed, including Sadc protocol that target 50 percent representation of women in politics and decision making positions, the country is far behind the target.

He told council officials, chiefs and community leaders that it is saddening that their findings in Mulanje revealed that women are lowly represented in chiefs’ tribunals, at community level and at the council.

“Even if you check in Village Development Committees and Area Development Committees, you will find that women are there, but just as mere committee members.

“The Gender Equality Act advocates for 40 to 60 percent of women and men representation in decision making positions, but sadly, this in not proving to be the case, even at national level both in politics and public institutions,” Chikalira said.

On his part, David Chizi, representing Mulanje District Council, appealed to activists to venture deeper into the villages where he said gender inequality is rampant.

The NGO-GCN is funded by the Norwegian Embassy.