By Vincent Khonje

Mchinji, March 7, Mana: Political parties and independent candidates have failed to deploy monitors at voter transfer centres in Mchinji.

This was revealed during a monitoring visit by MEC Commissioner Dr. Emmanuel Fabiano on Friday.

Dr. Fabiano expressed concern that, unlike during the initial voter registration, political parties have not positioned their representatives to oversee the transfer process.

"We are concerned that political parties have not sent their monitors as they did during the registration. We have to remember that the transfers are part of the process of registration, where someone who registered somewhere moves to go and register to vote at another place," said Dr. Fabiano.

However, he clarified that it remains up to the political parties and independent candidates to decide whether to send representatives or not.

At Kamuzu Primary School in Mchinji West Constituency, one of the supervisors, Steven Malijani, said the voter transfer exercise has been progressing smoothly.

"Those in need of transfer are coming to the centre and are being assisted accordingly. In terms of staff and personnel, everything is okay," Malijani said.

Initial observations suggest that more voter transfers are occurring in urban areas compared to rural settings.

By Brian Wasili,

Mwanza, March 7 Mana: Mwanza District Council on Friday held a workshop to orient staff on the HIV and AIDS workplace policy with a call for openness and active participation in all HIV prevention strategies.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), District Commissioner, Dr. Martha Magreta Sineta emphasized on the need to create a safe and supportive environment in the workplace by encouraging staff members to openly discuss HIV and AIDS issues to improve HIV and Aids work place policy.

“The review of this policy is an opportunity for all of us because everyone's input is crucial in ensuring that our workplace is not only safe but also supportive for all staff members regardless of one's HIV/AIDS status.

Sineta underscored the need to deal with stigma and discrimination in the work place.

District Principal Nutrition HIV and AIDS Officer, Fred Kumwenda said there was need for a holistic approach to addressing issues that affect HIV/AIDS response in the workplace by focusing on prevention, care and other support services.

“Let council staff come forward should they feel violated or their rights on HIV/AIDS related issues,” said Kumwenda.

The workshop participants discussed, shared experiences and proposed solutions to enhance the workplace policy, which is expected to further strengthen the council’s initiatives in promoting health, safety and inclusivity among its workers.

District HIV and AIDS Workplace Policy Coordinator, Wilson Kapanda Manda assured the council staff that their HIV/AIDS status will be kept confidential.

Richard Laudoni, a workshop participant described the orientation as an eye opener and opportunity to give input into the council's HIV/AIDS workplace policy.

Each sector at the council is mandated to commit 2 percent of other recurrent transactions (ORT) funds towards HIV and AIDS activities including food ration to council staff living with HIV.

The workshop which brought together key stakeholders was part of the council’s consultative efforts of soliciting views from staff to revisit current HIV and AIDS workplace policy.

By Patience Longwe

Lilongwe, March 8, Mana: Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima, has emphasized the importance of empowering women through education and entrepreneurship.

She was speaking in Lilongwe on Friday when she presided over the Wealth Woman Summit that took place at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.

Wirima, encouraged attendees to network, share experience, and inspire one another to break barriers and achieve their goals.

She also called for collaborative efforts to create opportunities that foster women's financial independence and leadership, praising the summit for providing a platform for women to showcase their abilities.

"Empowering women through education and opportunity is essential for building a brighter future for all" she said.

The minister challenged women to continue exploring and discovering the wonders of women empowerment.

"To support women's empowerment, the ministry is committed to implementing initiatives that promote women's rights and access to resources and this includes creating supportive policies that enable women to thrive in both education and entrepreneurship" She said.

Chief Executive Officer for Wealth Magazine, Harry Chima committed to provide support and resources for women entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of investing in women-led initiatives, recognizing that empowering women is key to driving economic growth and innovation.

 "The Wealth Woman Summit aims to create a collaborative environment where women can share knowledge, build networks and access resources to achieve their full potential in leadership and entrepreneurship, Malawi can work towards a brighter future for all " He said.

The gathering featured a number of women in various careers giving motivational speeches to encourage attendees pursue their passions and break through barriers.

Speakers included successful entrepreneurs, and leaders from diverse fields who shared their personal journeys, highlighting the challenges they faced and the strategies they employed to overcome them.

By Evance Chisiano

Blantyre, February 8, Mana: Deputy Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Halima Daud on Friday presided over commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD) in Blantyre where women gathered for business expo, breakfast and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) clinic to discuss business ideas, gender barriers, and ways and means of helping women to attain economic empowerment.

Daud said the International Women’s Day commemoration provided an opportunity to celebrate strengths, resilience and determination of women from all walks of life as the day also offered a moment to reflect, learn; share and empower women towards greater heights of life.,

“The Business Expo and SMEs Clinic focuses on financial literacy and business, management to run and grow businesses sustainably, The International Women’s breakfast is also about inspiring conversations to motivate women in leadership and business management,” she said.

Daudi observed that gender gaps in accessing finances remain a pressing issue in Sub Saharan Africa, according to 2021 Global Index by the World Bank which states that 61 per cent of men in the region have access to financial services compared to 39 per of women.

The report, according to the Deputy Minister states that, the 21 per cent gender gap is significantly higher than the global average of 6 per cent in developing regions.

Daud also made reference to an International Labour Organization’s 2018 Report, which states that women in Africa spend 3.4 times more on unpaid care and domestic work than men thereby reducing their opportunities to engage in income generating activities.

The deputy minister therefore said it was imperative for Malawi in to address barriers and all other factors that limit women’s economic growth.

“Women make up 70 per cent of the informal cross border traders, significantly contributing to Africa economies across various sectors such as agriculture, finance and textile. However, they face challenges such as tariff and non-tariff barriers, restricted movement of goods, limited access to finances, low productive capacity in their micro and small enterprises,

“It is, in this regard that the Government of Malawi is harmonizing trade regulations and reducing barriers, and strategically positioning women entrepreneurs to leverage the new trade areas.

There is need for urgent policy interventions to address gender economic disadvantages that impinges on poor women” she said.

The Deputy Minister further assured women in the country that government will continue prioritizing women empowerment considering that this remains a key pillar of national development.

“We will continue fostering an enabling legal and policy environment that allows stakeholders to effectively implement programmes and strategies that shall promote gender equality and women empowerment,” she said.

The deputy minister expressed hope that government and stakeholder collaboration will enable women to access capital and expand businesses that will also build long term financial security.

A member of NGO Gender Coordination Network (NGO-GCN) Caroline Mvalo acknowledged the progress made among them such as development of policies and enactment of laws that are meant to advance women and girls rights.

“This needs to be commended. We, as a network feel there is need to work more. We realize that though women and girls represent half of Malawi’s population, gender inequality still persists everywhere and stagnates social and economic progress,

“Gender inequality continues to manifest itself in different facets that include feminization of poverty as women are left behind in financial inclusion initiatives, illiteracy remains higher among women and girls as education for girls lag behind, social ills such as child marriages, teen pregnancies and gender based violence which continue to hinder progress,” she added.

NGO GCN therefore called on fellow stakeholders and government to put more effort in ensuring that women and girls are accorded their full rights by undertaking various interventions among them; initiating financial inclusion programmes targeting different classes of women, promoting girls’ education by tackling barriers such as school fees in tertiary education institutions and addressing various social norms that influence women and girls’ vulnerability.

Mvalo said NGO GCN will continue supporting all efforts that are meant to empower women and girls in various aspects of gender and economy.

At the event, the Deputy Minister also took her time to appreciate exhibition mounted by organizations such as Youth net and Counselling (YONECO) Campaign for Female Education (Camfed) World Vision, Action Aid and their community level partners to display women strides towards economic empowerment.                      

By Maria Tembo

Ntchisi, March 7, Mana: At least 750 farmers in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Kalumo in Ntchisi are expected to benefit from Improved Livelihood Resilience to Smallholder farmers, a project which Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM) is set to implement from April, 2025.

CADECOM Acting Coordinator in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe Madalitso Chilalire said this on Thursday after monitoring some of the projects the organization is implementing in the district.

He said the project will support the targeted farmers with Agro-ecology principles, capacity building and animal production.

“These farmers are in groups of 10 people and they will receive 20 goats per group. We want them to venture into small-scale businesses after selling some of the goats that will be given to them”.

“We are also encouraging them to grow different types of crops and fruits that are going to be used as an income generating tool so that they can be able to address hunger issues”, he said.

Emmanuel Kameta of Chilasa village who is among the targeted farmers said the project will improve their economic well-being once it begins.

He said: “Through the project, we are hoping that we will be able to provide necessities for our families and pay school fees for our children. I would like to advise my fellow beneficiaries to take good care of the goats once received and use them for intended purposes.

The two-year project will be implemented with funding from Danish Church Aid (DCA) and Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) in partnership with CADECOM of Lilongwe Archdiocese and Permaculture Paradise Institute (PPI).

By Yewo Munthali and Prisca Promise Mashushu

Lilongwe, March 7, Mana: Theatre for Change organisation has urged journalists to be at the forefront when raising awareness concerning Obstetric Fistula (OF) which is rampant among women and girls in the country.

This sentiment was raised on Friday in Lilongwe during a one-day workshop training under the Bridging Hope for Women and Girls with Obstetric Fistula project that aims at bridging the knowledge gap concerning Obstetric Fistula.

Advocacy and Communications Lead for the organisation, Henry Kambuzuma, explained that the training was conducted due to lack of knowledge among people concerning Obstetric Fistula, which has tremendous effects on women and girls in the country.

“We would like to make people aware of Obstetric Fistula, be it those affected or those that may be at risk and as such, we saw it fit to work with the media as they can take the message to Malawians through their many platforms.

“We are encouraging all people to obtain information from the journalists that were present at the workshop and in all our offices so that they can be aware of the causes, effects and preventive measures for the Obstetric Fistula,” he explained.

On his part, Fistula Surgeon at Freedom from Fistula Foundation (FFF), Patrick Nampandeni said they receive several cases, some of which the victims have lived with for a number of years due to lack of knowledge and access to health services.

"It is quite pathetic to see people suffering from this health condition while the help is there, so we need journalists to raise awareness so that the message reaches those in need or even health practitioners, so they are aware of where to direct the patients.

“About 90 percent of children die due to prolonged periods of lack of health services, which results in Obstetric Fistula; hence we continue to urge journalists and all people affected to have access to health services at the right time, as the health condition is preventable;” he said.

By George Bulombola

Mzuzu, March 7, Mana: Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA) said there is a need for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operators to be knowledgeable of public procurement requirements and processes for them to conduct business with the government, which is the biggest buyer of goods and services.

The remarks were made Friday in Mzuzu by the Director of Capacity Development and Reforms at PPDA, Timothy Kalembo, when the authority held an interface meeting with SMEs’ operators drawn from the northern region.

Kalembo said the authority has therefore initiated deliberate efforts to interact with the operators to have their capacity enhanced so that they meet all the required standards for one to participate in public procurement.

 “PPDA as a regulatory body has the mandate of ensuring that such enterprises participate in public procurement, hence this engagement meeting.

“It is up to us to ensure that they are knowledgeable on how to submit successful bids and how to request for clarifications during procurement proceedings,” said Kalembo.

Commenting on some of the challenges, which SMEs encounter in public procurement, Kalembo cited untimely payment for either delivered services or goods and that such delays affect the SMEs' operations.

He added that most of the regulatory bodies responsible for business registration are mostly in Lilongwe and don’t have offices in the region, hence business operators face problems to access the required services.

“The PPDA Act has a 60 percent reserve for local SMEs in public procurement not to indigenous black Malawians as were referred to in the 2017 Act, which is central to constitutional principles of non-discrimination,” he said.

He said the authority has further engaged other oversight bodies, such as the Ministry of Trade and Industry, to ensure that local business operators supply quality products.

“Government relies on SMEs to achieve Malawi 2063, hence it is government’s priority to ensure that SMEs partake in the national cake,” he added.

Managing Director of Swaswa Building and Marlee Agencies, Marlyn Munthali described the meeting as an eye opener to SMEs.

By Milcah Mathias

Blantyre, March 6, Mana: Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS), with funding from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), is expected to reach out to 157 affected households with emergency recovery activities in response to the negative impacts of Tropical Cyclone Chido in Traditional Authority, Kapeni in Blantyre.

Speaking on Wednesday during dissemination of post-disaster assessment findings on the effects of Chido, the MRCS District Coordinator, Innocent Chikuni said the operation was meant to meet immediate essential needs of affected households in a safe and dignified manner, to recover from the effects, and enhance their resilience to future shocks.

“We will support them with livelihoods and basic needs, health care, rehabilitation of shelter, water, sanitation, and hygiene so as to give them hope in time of their need,” said Chikuni, adding that the targeted households will each be provided with shelter, non-food items (NFIs) such as two sleeping mats, blankets, one kitchen set, and one solar lamp.

Apart from the NFI, the MRCS District Coordinator disclosed that each listed household will receive cash for rehabilitating their shelters.

“Not only that, each household will receive K100, 000 strictly for shelter rehabilitation, and they will also receive a multi-purpose cash grant of K80, 000 for livelihoods and basic needs,” added Chikuni.

Chief Planning Officer for Blantyre District Council, Pearson Mphangwe, commended MRCS for supporting the affected households with relief items and cash.

Following Tropical Cyclone Chido's impact in Malawi, a post-disaster assessment revealed that on December 16, 2024, the cyclone affected 46,017 people, causing widespread destruction of houses and other infrastructure across Malawi.

About 13 fatalities, 29 injuries, and 227 displaced individuals were registered across 23 districts of the Southern and Central Regions.

By Patience Longwe

Lilongwe, March 6, Mana: The Director of Programs for PLAN International in Malawi, Janet Chidothi has emphasized the need for strategic budget allocation to support the welfare of children in the country.

Speaking during a meeting with  Social and Community Affairs and Local Authorities cluster on Thursday at Bingu International Convention Centre( BICC) in Lilongwe, Chidothi noted that despite Malawi's shrinking fiscal space, the national debt has surged to 27% of the total budget, consuming a substantial portion of resources that could be utilized for critical sectors like education and child protection.

"Two key recommendations were proposed, firstly, the cancellation of the national debt, which would free up a significant amount of funds for allocation towards essential sectors, this would require advocacy from members of parliament and support from the international community.

“Secondly, prioritizing secondary education and increasing funding for child protection were highlighted as crucial areas for improvement; although the government has made strides in allocating 16.6% of the total budget towards education, there is still a shortfall of 3.4% from the international target of 20%," she narrated.

Chidothi also added that the allocation of 26 million kwacha per council for child protection is grossly inadequate, emphasizing the need for reprioritization of resources.

"To address these challenges, the government should focus on investing in productive sector like mining, tourism and agriculture to reduce the debt burden and increase revenue.

“Ultimately, effective  budget allocation and strategic planning are crucial to supporting the welfare of children in Malawi and driving socio-economic development," she said.

Chairperson for Social and Community Affairs and Local Authorities, Savel Kafwafwa, said the recent budget meeting highlighted several key issues particularly in regards to education and debt.

"While the government has made notable strides in allocating funds towards children, with the education budget reaching 16.6% of the total budget, it still falls short of the international target of 20%," he said.

He, therefore said one of the major challenges facing Malawi is its substantial public debt, which consumes 28% of the whole budget.

“This debt burden is equivalent to the combined budgets of four big ministers, highlighting the need for the government to invest in productive sectors and implement long-term plans such as mining, tourism, and agriculture," he said.

Meanwhile the Executive Director for Action Aid Malawi, Yandura Chipeta, appreciated the investments made so far on children in the national budget, however noting that there is more that needs to be done to ensure the country realize the commitments in Vision 2063 and the SDGs.

"Action Aid Malawi therefore calls on you, the Honourable Members of Parliament to consider the recommendations discussed during this engagement and recommend an increase in the financial commitment to all sectors that will ensure an improved quality of life and equitable access to public services for all children in Malawi," she said.

Pictorial by Evance Chisiano

Blantyre, March 6, Mana; Department responsible for inclusive education also referred to as Department of Special Needs Education in the Ministry of Education is tasked with coordinating, implementing, monitoring and evaluating Special Needs Education across Malawi including facilitating trainings for specialist teachers.

Recently, the department toured a Blantyre Secondary School (BSS) to appreciate how a 66 member Sign Language Club was faring in sign language.

The club demonstrated activities such as finger spelling of names of districts and animals among others, on top of demonstrating effective sign language communication.

The BSS Sign Language Club, that started in 2023 is under mentorship of a patron, Norah Mangani Nkavitha.

The club demonstrated that it was on the right path in producing capable professional sign language interpreters, the likes of Savita Wirima and Linly Mponda on MBC TV news.

Here are pictures of the department’s monitoring tour of BSS, with club members demonstrating their competence in sign language communication.