By Jones Gadama
In an exclusive sit-down with MaraviPost, the Minister of Gender, Children, Disability, and Social Welfare, Mary Thom Navicha, reflects on her mission to advance equality, protect the vulnerable, and strengthen social protection systems across Malawi. Candid and resolute, Minister Navicha discusses the priorities driving her ministry, the role of faith in leadership, and the steadfast support of President Arthur Peter Mutharika in delivering inclusive development.
A CALLING ROOTED IN SERVICE
Minister Navicha describes her portfolio as both an honour and a profound responsibility. At the heart of her motivation is a commitment to uplift groups historically sidelined from development—women, children, and persons with disabilities. She underscores that gender equality, child protection, and disability inclusion are not peripheral concerns but central pillars of Malawi’s development agenda.
CONFRONTING GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
Ending gender-based violence remains a flagship priority. The ministry’s strategy is comprehensive: community education to shift norms, strengthened legal frameworks to ensure accountability, and expanded survivor support services. Crucially, the ministry engages men and boys as allies, recognising that sustainable change requires collective ownership. The approach extends to combating online abuse, reinforcing a zero-tolerance stance across both physical and digital spaces.
ADVANCING DISABILITY INCLUSION
Under Minister Navicha’s leadership, disability rights have gained renewed momentum. Nationwide awareness campaigns are challenging stigma, while practical investments are improving accessibility in schools and public spaces. The Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) stands out as a transformative intervention, providing vital support to vulnerable households, including those headed by persons with disabilities—restoring dignity and meeting basic needs.
PROTECTING CHILDREN IN A DIGITAL AGE
As digital access expands, so do risks to children. The ministry collaborates with technology companies, educators, and parents to promote online safety and digital literacy. At the policy level, Minister Navicha advocates for robust legal safeguards against online exploitation while ensuring children can access digital tools for learning and development.
THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP
Addressing complex social challenges requires collaboration. Minister Navicha emphasises partnerships with civil society organisations, international agencies, traditional leaders, and local communities to ensure programmes are inclusive, sustainable, and grounded in lived realities.
LEADERSHIP, POLITICS, AND PURPOSE
Widely admired within the Democratic Progressive Party, Minister Navicha speaks candidly about balancing political leadership with ministerial responsibilities. Discipline and service, she notes, are the anchors that keep her focused on the wellbeing of Malawians, regardless of political context.
FAITH AS A SOURCE OF RESILIENCE
Faith plays a defining role in Minister Navicha’s leadership. As a committed member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and an active participant in Dorcas Women Ministries, she draws strength from prayer, fellowship, and service. These values—compassion, integrity, humility—shape her approach to governance and reinforce her belief in servant leadership.
PRESIDENTIAL SUPPORT AND NATIONAL VISION
Minister Navicha credits President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s visionary leadership for enabling her ministry’s progress. She highlights three areas of support: a firm commitment to inclusive development, sustained backing for social welfare programmes like the SCTP, and a national emphasis on gender equality that empowers women across Malawi.
IMPACT AND THE ROAD AHEAD
Among the achievements she holds closest is the expansion of the Social Cash Transfer Programme, which has lifted thousands of families from extreme poverty, particularly those caring for children with disabilities. Looking forward, the ministry plans to mainstream disability inclusion across sectors, expand child protection services, intensify campaigns against gender-based violence, and strengthen vocational training for persons with disabilities.
A MESSAGE TO THE YOUTH
To young Malawians aspiring to public service, Minister Navicha offers clear counsel: remain grounded in values, persevere through challenges, and place people first. Education and faith, she adds, are powerful anchors for ethical leadership.
A LEGACY OF INCLUSION
Asked how she hopes to be remembered, Minister Navicha speaks simply yet profoundly— as a tireless advocate for equality and inclusion, a servant leader who worked with humility to ensure every Malawian’s dignity is recognised.
As the interview concludes, one message resonates clearly: under Minister Mary Thom Navicha’s stewardship, the pursuit of social justice in Malawi is not merely policy-driven—it is deeply personal, principled, and purpose-led.
