New York, U.S.A. — Malawi is championing women and girls rights to close the gender gaps in the country by creating an equal society for all, First Lady Monica Chakwera has said.
Madame Chakwera made these remarks during the equal campaign summit by Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) in New York on the sidelines of 78th United Nation General assembly.
She said Malawi's incumbent leadership is committed to empower women and girls through education.
She said: "Malawi, under president Chakwera, is putting qualified women in higher positions. It is safe to say that most powerful positions are held by women.
The First Lady emphasized the profound significance of closing the gender gap that hinder the potential of women and girls in a society.
"Malawi stand to drive a change to empower women and girls through bursary program based on vulnerability criteria targeting girls and boys selected to grant aided secondary school by not leaving anyone behind," she said.
Madame Chakwera explained that the deeply-rooted gender norms and discriminatory practices have hindered the potential of women and girls in the society hence the need to unite to ensure girls receive education on par with their male counterparts.
She urged traditional leaders, religious figures and political leaders to recognize and championing the equality of girls and women protecting them from gender based violence and promoting their participation in decision making processes.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
Chakwera revealed that most women are not trapped in abusive relationships, but for empowerment will grant them the agency to stand up for themselves
In her key note address United States of America First Lady Jill Biden called for African ladies to rise up and championing the empowerment of women and girls in the society.
She adds that women nurse, nature teach and build hence the need to be independent and make critical decisions about their lives.
"We have never been silent but women are silenced, we must join hands and keep going to change peoples lives and make informed decisions, lets strengthen our sisterhood and make a difference to build the world our sons and daughters deserve," Said Biden.
Biden urged all African first ladies to build momentum and work together to create an equal society to closimg the gender gaps for a better tomorrow.
Earler President of OAFLAD Namibian First lady Monica Geingos called for African ladies to fight Gender equality in the society.
"Lets stand up and fought for higher positions and put women and girls on a platform to access quality life, lets create doors for greater opportunities and remove barriers that hinder women rights.
