By Burnett Munthali

Lilongwe, Malawi – Representatives of women from the central region have convened in Lilongwe to review the “Women’s Manifesto,” a landmark document developed in 2019 by the Women’s Manifesto Movement and signed by various duty bearers, including presidential aspirants.

The manifesto draws from foundational frameworks such as the Malawi Constitution, the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy, and other gender and development planning blueprints. Its purpose is to remind policymakers of their commitments to advancing the rights and welfare of women and girls in Malawi.

Opening the two-day conference at Crossroads Hotel, Women Legal Resources Centre (Worlec) Executive Director Maggie Kathewera Banda emphasized the need for the review. “Since 2019, the needs of women and girls have evolved. Factors such as natural disasters and socio-economic challenges have created new realities that must be addressed. This review will ensure the manifesto remains relevant and reflective of the current landscape,” she said.

The meeting has been organized by Worlec, Girls Empowerment Network, and Human Rights of Women and Girls with Disability, in collaboration with the NGO-Gender Coordination Network. It is supported by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, Oxfam, and UN Women.

The Women’s Manifesto serves as a powerful advocacy tool, aiming to hold leaders accountable for their commitments to gender equality and to ensure that women’s and girls’ rights remain a priority in national development agendas.

Participants at the conference will review the progress made since the manifesto’s launch, identify gaps, and propose actionable solutions to tackle emerging challenges. Key issues under discussion include education, health, economic empowerment, and the protection of women and girls from violence and discrimination.

As the conference unfolds, stakeholders are hopeful that the updated manifesto will reinforce commitments from leaders and inspire tangible action to improve the lives of women and girls across Malawi.