Here’s to new beginnings

Dear Reader. Today, the Weekend Nation is introducing a new column, and I am honoured and excited to be the one writing it. Although somewhat new, I’ve thought of it more as an extension  of what many have written and discussed before, and continue to do so, as we strive to make our world a better place. There are many voices in the country, many organisations, and a whole ministry–backed by laws and policies–that tackle issues of women and girls’ rights, which this column with mostly centre on. But the challenges persist, and so continued discourse on the issues will be necessary until change is attained.

It is my hope that having gender as this column’s main focus will not put off some readers. Gender equality is not something that benefits women and girls only– it benefits everyone. This is why it is on the list of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Goal number Five of the SDG’s recognises the need for nations to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls in order to develop. Even at local level, Malawi cannot afford to leave women and girls behind as it works towards attaining middle-income economy status in a few decades to come, as espoused in the country’s development blueprint, the Malawi 2063 Vision. 

As a professional woman who has to constantly juggle work and family demands, the reality of gender disparities is all too stark. Being a mother to a boy and girl strengthens my desire to create a better and more equal world where none of them has to feel disadvantaged or favoured based on their gender.

Gender inequality is a challenge at local, international and global levels. The fact that most of the 773 million of adults that are illiterate globally are women—despite women forming over half of the population worldwide—shows how grave a situation we are in.  Not only are women less educated, they are also largely underpaid in the workplace despite doing the same amount or quality of work as their male counterparts, as studies have shown. Furthermore, women have fewer opportunities for economic participation than men, greater health and safety risks, and less political representation, among other challenges.

However, studies have shown that giving women and girls opportunities to reach their full potential is important not only for improving their individual lives, but it is also a critical factor of development. This is why everyone should take an interest in ensuring we attain a more gender equal society. It should not matter that you are a man or a woman, rural or urban-based, young or old. Everyone gets affected when women and girls are left behind.

It is sad that despite evidence to prove the need to promote gender equality, many  women and girls in Malawi are not only expected to fulfill traditional roles, but they are also denied access to education, capital and land ownership, among others. Rising cases of gender violence also threaten women and girls potential to attain economic freedom, thereby worsening the cycle of poverty.

Continued discussion and action around these challenges is, therefore, key to fast-tracking the needed progress towards attaining gender equality. Once in a while, I will try to expand the focus from just women and girls with the understanding that ‘women’s rights are human rights’, as Hillary Clinton famously said decades ago, and that in addressing gender disparities, we cannot ignore one gender.

With this in mind, From Where I Stand will centre more broadly on issues that may impinge on or support efforts towards gender equality and development in our society. Together, let’s celebrate what is working and take a deeper look at what may not work as we continue to progress as a nation without leaving anyone behind. Let’s explore new ideas and talk candidly about the challenges we face. Let’s ignite conversations, and indeed, put a spotlight on some exceptional stories that may happen as we go about our daily lives.

I hope that, through this column, you readers feel empowered to share your stories and more importantly, know you hold the key to the change our country needs to meaningfully develop. I’m excited to engage with each one of you, so feel free to reach out to me with a question, a suggestion, or just general feedback–all will be appreciated. You can do that by sending me a tweet @EdythK or an email.

We need gender equality, and for as long as I am able to, I will continue to share my two tambala thoughts on these issues– from where I stand. Here’s to new beginnings!