By Wezzie Gausi
The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has said it will commence a validation meeting for the Gender Equality Act (GEA) Implementation and Monitoring Plan 2024- 2030 this week.
This is a comprehensive plan that would build on the successes and lessons learned from the previous Plan of 2016-2020 and aims to further advance gender equality in Malawi.
MHRC Executive Secretary Habiba Osman told The Daily Times that the new plan would focus on addressing problems such as gender-based violence, promoting women’s leadership and ensuring equal opportunities for all.
She said the plans were a pivotal legal framework designed to promote gender equality and protect women’s rights.
“The GEA addresses key areas such as sex discrimination, harmful practices, sexual harassment in the workplace, equality in education and training, employment and sexual and reproductive health rights.
“In addition to its constitutional and statutory responsibilities, the commission is specifically mandated by the GEA to enforce its provisions,” Osman said.
Meanwhile, Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation Executive Director Michael Kaiyatsa has said issues of GBA towards women have always been a huge challenge in the country.
“As such, the country needs to step up efforts on issues of women protection as well as empowerment,” he said.
Malawi enacted the Gender Equality Act (GEA) in 2013.
It has since been used as a guide on gender issues.
