UN Women lobbies for more funding to gender ministry
The United Nations (UN) Women executive board has lobbied for an increased budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare to enhance women empowerment in the country.
The UN Women delegation made the appeal after meeting President Peter Mutharika at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre yesterday. During the meeting, UN Women, among others, briefed the President on how its programmes—including women participation in various platforms—are fairing in the country.
during the meeting
Head of UN Women executive board, Ivana Rajevic, said an increase in the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare funding would lead to achievement of gender equality through some programmes being implemented and that women would also be given a boost with regard to gender issues.
Said Rajevic: “If the budget is increased then we will achieve more especially in gender equality and empowerment. In terms of elections, we discussed with the President that women are involved in all processes underground.”
She said there is a high possibility that with the measures that government is putting in place, among others passing various legislations, Malawi can become a leading example within the Southern Africa Development Commission (Sadc) region.
On his part, Mutharika pledged his government’s commitment to promoting the welfare of women. He said his administration strives to put women in decision-making positions across the civil service and parastatal organisations.
In the 2016/17 National Budget, the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare was allocated K3 161 290 071 whereas in the 2017/18 it was allocated K4 599 265 055. n
