By Dumbani Mzale, contributor:
First Lady Monica Chakwera has commended the local media for its role in uncovering the suffering of child brides and bringing to light the hidden struggles of girls and women from many spheres of life.
Chakwera said this on Friday when she presided over the Merck Foundation Media Recognition awards at Kamuzu Palace, which saw a total of six journalists receive $500 each, medals and certificates from Merck Foundation.
Chakwera is the ambassador for Merck Foundation’s ‘More Than a Mother Campaign’ and champions the protection and wellbeing of women and children, especially girls, through her Shaping Our Future Foundation (Soff).
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The journalists whose work was recognised are Alepher Kasongo, formerly of Malawi Broadcasting Corporation, Caroline Mapando, a contributor for Africa Brief publication and Gresham Ngwira, a contributor with Nation Publications Limited.
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Others include Chimwemwe Manda, formerly of Transworld Radio (TWR), Sylvia Chisi of TWR and Martha Mzumara of TWR.
Chakwera hailed the winners, stressing that their stories helped bring to the surface issues regarding the resilience of women facing infertility, the untold consequences of neglected health conditions and the harsh realities of early marriages and social injustice.
“Your work aligns deeply with the mission of the Merck Foundation and with my own passion through the Shaping Our Future Foundation; a mission to build a Malawi where every woman, girl and vulnerable community member has the chance to thrive, to be seen and to be heard,” she said.
She therefore called upon the media in the country to continue telling stories that are difficult to tell and to continue speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves.
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“Continue to challenge the myths that isolate our people and expose the truths that can set them free. Use your voice to push for better healthcare, for gender justice and for informed inclusive communities,” Chakwera said.
Speaking on behalf of all winners, Ngwira thanked the First Lady for extending a helping hand to countless vulnerable children through her Soff.
He assured the First Lady that, as media practitioners, they will continue writing stories that advocate for the rights of women and children, especially girls.
