JB says women deserve respect

Malawi President Joyce Banda has called for respect towards women in the country observing that women are the most resilient, courageous, committed and enterprising in the promotion of human development.

The President, who presided over the celebrations of Mother’s Day and the International Day of Rural Women at the headquarters of Senior Chief Kachindamoto in Dedza, said women deserve respect as they toil for the masses.

“We are asking for equality. We are asking for protection from harmful cultural beliefs. We deserve respect,” she said.

Celebrations to mark Mother’s Day coincided with the International Day of Rural Women which is observed on 15 October since 2008.

The International Day of Rural Women was established by the General Assembly in its resolution 62/136 of 18 December 2007, and recognises “the critical role and contribution of rural women, including indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security and eradicating rural poverty.”

Senior Chief Kachindamoto said rural women play a critical role in the rural economies.

She said in most parts of the developing world, they participate in crop production and livestock care, provide food, water and fuel for their families, and engage in off-farm activities to diversify their families’ livelihoods.

Minister of Home Affairs Uladi Mussa appealed to the President to distribute relief food in the district which suffered from failed rains last farming season.