By Lesnat kenan

Lilongwe, April 16, Mana: Deputy Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Halima Daud has said the National Children's Manifesto will provide children with an opportunity to advocate for their rights, well-being and protection.

She made the remarks during the launch of the National Children's Manifesto held at Crossroads Hotel in Lilogwe.

The deputy minister said the National Children's Manifesto is a powerful tool that empower children to advocate for their rights and hold decision makers accountable.

"The Ministry will ensure that children are protected from all forms of abuse and that they are able to participate in activities to shape their future" she said.

Daud said her Ministry is committed to ensuring that every child in Malawi has access to quality education, health and nutrition to align with the 2063 agenda.

In his remarks, World Vision Malawi Director of Operations, Charles Chimombo said the initiative is a milestone in the advancement of children's rights in Malawi.

He said World Vision believes that child participation is not optional but a right and appealed to all political parties to create space for children in all their activities.

"Children deserve to be heard in our political spaces and especially in political party manifestos", he said.

In her remarks, Speaker of the National Children's Parliament, Shekinah Galuwapananji, said the children's manifesto creates a great opportunity for children to voice out their issues.

She said the manifesto will promote children's participation in all sectors which will foster development for Malawi.

At the event, issues such as child protection, education, healthcare, nutrition, climate change and child participation were discussed.