As the country joins the globe in commemorating the 2025 International Women’s Day, the United Nations in Malawi has called for urgent action to accelerate gender equality, warning that at the current pace, full legal equality and the eradication of child marriage remain centuries away.
In a statement, the UN has highlighted both progress and persistent challenges in Malawi’s fight for gender equality.
While acknowledging strides in legal reforms, female education, and women’s leadership, the statement pointed to high maternal mortality (349 deaths per 100,000 live births), gender-based violence (1 in 3 women affected), economic disparities (only 23% of women own land), and child marriage (42% of girls married before 18) as barriers that continue to hinder women and girls.
In reaction, gender activist Emma Kaliya expressed concern over the state of maternal health services, saying that overcrowded hospitals, lack of resources, and limited support systems are key contributors to the high maternal mortality rate.
“These health facilities are overwhelmed. Some districts record as many as 32,000 births per year in just one district hospital, yet the facilities remain the same. Pregnant women visit these hospitals expecting help, but there is only so much the system can do with limited resources,” Kaliya said.
She further highlighted the slow progress in women’s political representation, stating that deliberate policies are necessary to increase the number of women in decision-making positions.
On gender-based violence (GBV), Kaliya acknowledged that Malawi has made progress in strengthening legal penalties for sexual offenses, with perpetrators now receiving harsher sentences of up to 60 years in prison.
However, she pointed out that many cases go unreported, and societal attitudes still discourage survivors from seeking justice.
“We need to keep pushing. Courts are delivering tougher sentences, but families and communities must also support survivors instead of silencing them,” she said.
Fellow gender activist Kenneth Mtago attributed the slow progress on gender equality to weak institutional capacity, inadequate funding, and deeply ingrained cultural norms.
He called for increased funding, policy enforcement, and community engagement to bridge the gap between legislation and implementation.
“Strengthening institutional capacity, ensuring access to justice, and changing social norms are crucial. We need a comprehensive approach that involves government, civil society, and communities working together,” he emphasized.
On women’s economic empowerment as a pathway to gender equality, Mtago argues that current interventions are too short-term to create real impact.
Mtago suggested that Malawi should adopt structural reforms similar to Rwanda’s land reform program, Kenya’s women’s economic empowerment initiatives, and India’s Self-Help Group model to ensure that women have lasting financial independence.
“We need legal and customary law reforms to ensure women have equal land rights. Financial inclusion programs should provide collateral-free loans, and education systems must train women in skills that lead to stable employment opportunities. Without these structural changes, economic empowerment will remain temporary,” he explained.
Responding to the concerns, Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Public Relations Officer Pauline Kaude stated that the government is committed to empowering women and promoting gender equality by strengthening laws and policies that support women’s rights, leadership, and economic opportunities.
“To help women succeed financially, we work with banks and insurance companies to improve access to funding, enabling them to grow their businesses and achieve financial independence,” Kaude said.
She also emphasized the importance of engaging men and boys in efforts to reduce gender-based violence.
“The Malawi Male Engagement Strategy, launched in 2023, encourages men to challenge harmful gender norms, support survivors, and promote respect for women’s rights through community programs and mentorship,” she said.
However, Kaude pointed out that maternal health falls under the Ministry of Health’s mandate, indirectly deflecting responsibility for Malawi’s high maternal mortality rate.
As Malawi marks 30 years since the Beijing Declaration on Women’s Rights, the UN, activists, and government officials all agree that urgent, sustained action is needed.
“Gender equality is not just a women’s issue—it is a human rights issue and a prerequisite for sustainable development. We must act now to ensure that women and girls can live free from violence, access quality education and healthcare, and participate fully in economic and political life,” the UN statement concluded.
International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8th March annually, this year, the day is celebrated under the theme: “Accelerate Action,” emphasising the urgency of advancing gender equality.
The day is a reminder to recognise and cherish women’s agency and autonomy, to make society safer, and to eradicate prejudice and discrimination, particularly against women
The question remains: Will Malawi take the necessary steps to accelerate gender equality, or will women and girls continue to wait for centuries?
