Twenty-one Civil Society Organizations convened in Mzuzu to contribute to the Civil Society Social Protection Network’s strategic plan. The five-year plan aims to harmonize social protection initiatives in Malawi, targeting the social cash transfer program and building resilience.
The consultation addressed gaps in the newly enacted Social Old Age Bill, influence policy and decision-making processes to prioritize social protection, foster collaboration among civil society organizations, government agencies, and development partners to enhance the capacity of civil society organizations in the implementation of social protection programs.
Chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba cited limited coverage, inadequate funding, fragmentation, and lack of coordination as major challenges necessitated the formulation of the strategic planning.
Mkwezalamba emphasized the need for proper coordination, sufficient collaboration, and increased access to justice for vulnerable groups.
“Lack of proper coordination, Insufficient collaboration among government ministries, departments, and stakeholders impedes effective service delivery emanating from inadequate institutional capacity, limited human resources, skills, and infrastructure hindering effective implementation,” said Mkwezalamba.
Kinear Mlowoka, Civil Society Social Protection Network Northern Chapter Chairperson, highlighted inconsistent program implementation and limited community participation.
“Some laws and policies are outdated and require revision to align with current social protection needs. To address these challenges, Malawi needs to review and harmonize laws and policies, increase funding and resource allocation, strengthen institutional capacity and coordination while enhancing access to justice and community participation,” said Mlowoka.
The network recommends reviewing and harmonizing laws and policies, increasing funding, strengthening institutional capacity, and addressing gender and disability biases.
Chimwemwe Banda, a network member, expects intensified advocacy following the strategic planning citing the Thyolo district’s Social Cash Transfer beneficiaries, who haven’t received benefits in eight months, violating the Republican constitution.
In partnership with key partners United Nations agencies like UNICEF, International Labour Organization, Irish Aid, Giz, international NGOs like Save the Children, government ministries, and local organizations have collaborated working on key thematic areas which includes; Social cash transfers, health insurance, pension schemes, disability support and child protection.
The Civil Society Social Protection Network (CSSPN) is an organization that advocates for social protection programs and policies in Malawi and beyond aims to promote and support the development of inclusive and sustainable social protection programs that benefit vulnerable populations.
