MANAonline
WORI calls for stakeholder involvement in advocating for SRHR to AGYW
By Beni Bamusi
Thyolo, September 6, Mana: Women Rights Institute (WORI) has called on all stakeholders in Thyolo to raise awareness on issues to do with Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) among Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) in Traditional Authority Bvumbwe who are facing challenges in accessing sexual reproductive health services.
WORI Executive Director, Bertha Mfune made the call this week during a project orientation which took place at Thyolo District Council.
Mfune said AGYW are facing challenges in accessing services regarding Sexual Reproductive Health services, saying cultural, legal and structural barriers in health facilities prevent them from making informed decisions and choices.
“We are therefore calling on the media, and all the stakeholders to amplify change and advocate for reproductive health rights so that adolescent girls and young women can understand their rights,
“Some girls opt for unsafe abortion which brings complications if not well treated. This project will tackle pressing issues affecting their well-being,” she said.
She added the understanding will help AGYW to avoid early pregnancies and post-abortion complications which come as a result of unsafe abortion which most of the girls resort to when they are pregnant.
Thyolo District, Youth Friendly Service Coordinator, Steve Dimba acknowledged that some AGYW are not aware of their SRHR services, saying there is a need to put deliberate interventions to raise awareness on where they can access the services.
He expressed hope that WORI project will provide a room where girls will learn their rights, thereby reducing the chances of unwanted pregnancies and child marriages.
Mwai Women Group Chairperson, Flone Magombo said the initiative has come at the right time in Bvumbwe where AGYW are failing to access services at a health facility due to an unconducive environment that doesn’t guarantee privacy.
“Bvumbwe being a trading centre, girls are easily influenced by peers and situations to engage in prostitution which puts them at risk of early pregnancies. We anticipate that the project will bring positive change to girls in the area,” said Magombo.
WORI is implementing an SRHR project among the AGYW in Thyolo.
NICE empowers female aspirants for political leadership
By Wellington Sibale
Neno, September 6, Mana: National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust in collaboration with the Center for Civil Society Strengthening (CCSS) this week trained female aspirants in Neno District to help them conduct winning political campaigns ahead of the 2025 general elections.
NICE Trust, Civic Education Programmes Officer, Christopher Naphiyo highlighted that Neno was selected as a beneficiary district of a project called; Nthawi Yawo as the district lacks female representation in both parliamentary and local government positions alongside Salima and Karonga.
“Neno currently has no female Member of Parliament or ward councilor that is why we priorities it for this programme. We organized this training to empower women in political leadership,” said Naphiyo.
He said the training was meant to equip women, particularly young female aspirants with the necessary knowledge and skills to engage effectively in political leadership.
Naphiyo said participants are expected to gain a deeper understanding of the political landscape and be prepared to take on leadership roles.
He, therefore, called on women in Neno and across the country to contest for elective positions in the 2025 general elections and observed that women have a reputation for honesty and the ability to meet the needs of the people.
Director of Planning and Development for Neno District Council, Charles Lomoni said the training will empower women to play an active role in the district’s political landscape thereby contributing to the development.
“Neno is one of the least developed districts in the country. If women are empowered to take on leadership roles, they can make decisions that would benefit their communities.” Lomoni said.
He therefore expressed hope that the training will equip female aspirants with the knowledge and skills to address the challenges the district faces.
A participant in the training who is a shadow Member of Parliament for Neno North, Chandice Chimphonda said the training was relevant and impactful on political ambition.
“This training has been of great interest. I am returning to my constituency with enhanced knowledge and skills that have strengthened my campaign,” she said.
The training’s objective is to equip aspirants with the knowledge and skills necessary for political leadership, identify capacity gaps and future training needs including promoting the active participation of women particularly young women and persons with disabilities.
With funding from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), NICE Trust and CCSS are implementing the Inclusive Participation of Women in Politics (Nthawi Yawo) Project in Karonga, Salima and Neno districts to increase women's participation in politics.
New ADC members cautioned against Corruption
By Mwai Kumanda
Lilongwe, September 6, Mana: Members of newly elected Area Development Committees (ADC) in Lilongwe district have been advised to avoid corruption, as they will be discharging their duties.
Sub-Traditional Authority Malembo made the call Thursday during the induction of ADC members in his area.
He said corruption among members of ADC retards development projects that would assist many people in their areas.
“I am happy that we have finally our ADC. I want to take this opportunity to encourage and ask the new members to work together and use their positions wisely, professionally and transparently without indulging in corrupt practices,” he said.
In his remarks, the newly elected Chairperson of the Malembo ADC, Skyford Chikafubwa promised to discharge his duties professionally to develop the area and improve the livelihood of the people in the area.
“Let me take this opportunity to thank the people of this area for entrusting me so that I can lead the Malembo ADC. It is not that I am wiser than anyone else, but we will work together as a committee and even those who have been in this committee before,” he said.
Lilongwe District Council Assistant Community Development Officer Gladys Kalumbi asked the elected ADC members to do their job professionally saying people in the area are expecting more from them.
“Corruption is evil. And as the council we don’t want to be hearing issues of corruption involving members of the ADC,” she said.
Flames Fall to Burundi
By Happy Milanzie
September 5, Lilongwe, Mana: Malawi’s national team faced a tough start to their 2025 African Cup qualifiers, losing 3-2 to Burundi at Bingu National Stadium on Thursday.
Despite dominating both halves, Malawi could not secure a win in their first qualifier match. Head Coach Patrick Mabedi expressed his disappointment, noting that the team’s poor coordination in defense led to the defeat.
“The game was 80 percent in our favor, but we struggled to clear the ball out of the box, allowing Burundi to score twice in the first half and once in the second. This undermined our players’ efforts,” Mabedi said.
He also mentioned that the limited preparation time hindered the team’s performance.
“We needed more time for our players to get along during training to avoid the mistakes we saw today,” he added.
Looking ahead, Mabedi is optimistic about their next game against Burkina Faso on the 26th in Bamako, Mali.
Burundi’s coach, Nda Yiragije Etienne, acknowledged that while his team did not play their best, they capitalized on Malawi’s mistakes.
“Football is a game of mistakes, and we managed to get three points because our opponents made errors in both halves,” he said.
The match saw Chimwemwe Idana score an own goal 23 minutes in, followed by Chawanangwa Kaonga’s equalizer at 31 minutes. Jean Claude then put Burundi ahead at 34 minutes, making it 2-1 by halftime.
Lanjesi Nkhoma scored for Malawi at 75 minutes, but Manoko Eldhino sealed the win for Burundi with a goal at 87 minutes, ending the game 3-2.
Thyolo Public Works Committee impressed with the progress of development projects
By Yamikani Yapuwa
Thyolo, September 6, Mana: The Public Works Committee at Thyolo District Council has expressed satisfaction with ongoing and completed development projects in the district, which are being implemented with World Bank-funded Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD).
During a two-day supervision visit this week, the committee assessed various projects, including the newly constructed Ntambanyama Market and the Namatuni Health Post, where work is underway.
Apart from the marketplace and health post, the committee also visited Limbe bridge project, Thyolo Boma Primary School, and Chilengo Health Post.
Chairperson of the Public Works Committee, Hudson Ovira, and Senior Chief Mphuka said they were impressed with the distribution of the GESD projects in the district and anticipated that the health facilities, the market and the bridge would have a positive impact on the communities' livelihood.
The committee was particularly pleased that the interventions were in key sectors citing education, health, transport and trade.
“These are projects that will significantly improve the lives of the people in Thyolo. We are impressed with the pace at which the projects are progressing,” added Ovira.
Senior Chief Mphuka also said he was pleased with how the council utilized funds meant for GESD, describing the usage as prudent and observing that the resources were being utilized for their intended purposes.
“The council has shown commitment and accountability in the management of GESD funds, which is evident in the quality and timely delivery of the projects,” Mphuka added.
Thyolo District Commissioner, Hudson Kuphanga, expressed optimism that the ongoing projects will be completed ahead of schedule, saying the health and educational infrastructures plus the bridge is meant to serve the people of Thyolo better.
“We are working hard to ensure that these projects are not only completed on time but also meet the needs of our communities. Our focus is on delivering quality services that will have a lasting impact,” said Kuphanga.
Youth Response for Social Change took child marriages head on
By Martin Chiwanda and Mike Nambwale
Machinga, September 5, Mana: Youth Response for Social Change organization (YRSC) says it nullified 320 child marriages through a project called Social Transformation for Ending Child Marriage implemented in Machinga District with stakeholders.
YRSC disclosed this on Thursday during a meeting in Liwonde, Machinga where the organization shared a progress report of the project, which ends in November this year.
YRSC Programs Officer, Prisca Inani, said the project has been successful following good working relationship with Machinga District Council, other collaborating organizations such as FOYODE, NANES and development partner, USAID/
She the organizations worked together in the targeted areas which includes Traditional Authorities of Chikweo, Nyambi, Mizinga, Mulimba, Mchinguza and Kawinga where cases of child marriages were common.
Inani said apart from nullifying 320 child marriages, girls have returned to school while 65 of them were taught vocational and soft skills like art and designing, tailoring and farming to sustain their livelihood.
“We have done a recommendable job with partners. We have managed to end marriages, send children back to school as well as providing the much needed skills to some of the youths. It worked well because of the collaboration efforts by different stakeholders including the traditional authorities,” she said.
A girl who came of out child marriage, (name withheld) from Traditional Authority Chikweo, will shortly enter form 4 on September 16 and shared her story of being abused, beaten and isolated from other people in her marriage.
“I got married early because of poverty and my family thought marriage would be the best way to solve problems,” she added.
Traditional Authority Mizinga who spoke on behalf of the other traditional authorities hailed YRSC for implementing a project that nullified child marriages saying this was a positive thing in the right direction as the project helped to reduce the numbers of child marriages in Machinga including his area.
He has vowed to continue the fight even if project phases as long as child marriage continue in the district.
Machinga District Commissioner, Rodrick Mateauma, said child marriages were still a concern in Machinga and acknowledged the role YRSC’ and its partners played in dealing with the problem
“Before the project, we weren't doing well as a district. The situation was bad as figures show that we were even above the national figures on child marriages,” he added
Mateauma said the project brought good results and also observed the greater role traditional leaders and other area and village level structures played to fight child marriage in the district.
“Going forward, we will rely on the same structures, local leaders, and our extension”, the District Commissioner added.
Among the guests was Senior Chief Kachindamoto, of Dedza who is a national champion in ending child marriages.
She however faulted some parents and guardians who facilitate child marriages on the assumption that they benefit from such forced marriages.
With funding from the American Government through USAID to the tune of 490,000 USD, the Social Transformation for Ending Child Marriages in Machinga Project started in 2021 and will end in November this year.
First Lady attends meeting on women’s education
By Chikondi Chimala, in Beijing, China
Beijing, September 6, Mana: First Lady Madam Monica Chakwera Thursday morning attended a meeting on China-Africa women’s education at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing as part of the meetings of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
During the meeting, Madam Chakwera and the other African spouses reaffirmed their commitment to women's education and empowerment by publicly appending their signatures to a board themed “China-Africa join hands for women’s empowerment through education.”
Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, delivered the keynote speech during the meeting that was attended by over 20 spouses of African leaders, including Madam Chakwera, who is in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Said First Lady Peng Liyuan: “China and Africa belong to a community with a shared future. Women from China and Africa through their hard work, wisdom and dedication, have written a remarkable chapter of unity, cooperation and progress and must ensure that they continue on that path to remain key influencers in their spheres of operation.”
“Despite the long distance between us, China and Africa have always been friends and reliable partners.”
She noted that Chinese and African women, through their hard work, wisdom and dedication, have written a remarkable chapter of unity, cooperation and progress declaring that in advancing women's education and moving toward a brighter future, China and Africa are aligned in their goals.
First Lady Peng Liyuan, who is also a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) special envoy for the advancement of girls' and women's education said the meeting was of great significance as knowledge and education can open great paths for many African women.
Other speakers during the meeting included, Marie Khone Faye, First Lady of Senegal, Rachel Ruto, First Lady of Kenya, wife of Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
Many participants delivered speeches and thanked the Chinese host for their outstanding contributions to promote education of African girls and women and praised China's long-standing support and assistance in related fields.
The spouses were treated to great performances from children's singing and a Peking Opera and visited exhibits showcasing China's traditional culture and achievements in women's education.
Karonga DC pledges to support youths in accessing SRH services
By George Mponda
Karonga, September 6, Mana: Karonga Acting District Commissioner (DC) Frank Mkandawire has assured youths that the council will support them in accessing Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) Services.
Mkandawire said youths constitute a majority of the country's population and they are the ones who will help achieve Malawi 2063 hence they need support to be healthy reproductive citizens.
He was speaking Thursday in Karonga at the end of a three-day sexual reproductive health and rights conference for youths from Senior Chiefs Mwirang'ombe and Wasambo, which was organized by Kachila Youth Initiative (KAYI) with funding from Amplify Change.
"The council has strategies to increase the number of youth SRH providers and we will train as many health workers as possible for them to deliver the services effectively. Number two, we will construct youth corners within our health facilities because this is one of the biggest barriers for youths in accessing SRH services, lastly, we want to increase the network of Youth Community Based Distribution Agents (YCBDA) who we will train them to reach out to their fellow youths, “Mkandawire said.
The DC further pledged to ensure that a Youth Centre, which will contain rooms offering health services, indoor games, an Information Communication Technology (ICT) room and business advisory services for economic empowerment, will be constructed at the Boma.
On his part, Executive Director for KAYI, Matchona Ngwira said they are implementing a 'Tubapoke Project' which aims to help remove barriers which youths face in accessing SRH services.
"We want youths to highlight issues which make them fail to access SRH services so that at the end of the day we should make a road map to ensure that the barriers are removed and our youths are free to access these lifesaving services,” Ngwira said.
"We are trying to make sure that more youth-friendly health services providers in the district are trained and health facilities should create special rooms for youths to access these services," he added.
Francis Nhlope Chairperson of Wasambo Youth Network from Senior Chief Wasambo said youths were unable to access SRH services before the inception of the project in the area.
"Cultural beliefs, long distances to health facilities and lack of information on where to access the services were some of the challenges which caused this but at least now with the project, things have improved a lot as youths in our area are now accessing the services, “said Nhlope.
The conference was held under the theme "Breaking the barriers on sexual reproductive health and rights for young people".
Chirimba to have a health centre
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, August 6, Mana: State Vice President Dr. Michael Usi promised people of Chirimba Township in Blantyre that construction of a health centre in the area will start soon after identifying a site.
Usi said this on Thursday when he toured the township saying that Chirimba, a highly populated area, deserve its own healthy facility.
“All bags of cement needed for the construction of a hospital are readily available. We are waiting for the chiefs to identify a place accessible to all villages.
“After being given a place that should be central to Maela, Namatete and Chirimba, construction work shall start,” he said.
The Vice President therefore advised local leaders and their subjects to avoid putting politics on issues to do with development.
“The hospital should not be a political thing but should be there to help people to access health services,” he said.
On his part, Michiru Ward Councilor, Uche Yesaya, commended the Vice President for always helping the area.
“You don’t forget us, I remember when we were affected by Cyclone Freddy, and you were the first person to visit our camps. Whenever I knock on your door, you always come to assist,” he said, adding that people in Chirimba area will always be grateful to Usi’s gesture.
Group Village Head Suya expressed optimism that the Vice President’s visit will provide solution to some of their problems in his area.
“Your visit has given us hope. Seeing you here means that some of our problems will be solved,” he said.
He appealed to the Vice President to consider constructing roads in his village stating that roads in the area become impassable during rainy seasons.
“Roads in this village are not good. We use them today because this is dry season but come rains, the same roads are impassable,” group village Suya added.
Usi toured Chirimba to interact with township residents to appreciate their life challenges.
He already visited Bangwe and Ndirande townships.
TA Mtumbwinda applauds government for its speedy food response
By Martin Chiwanda
Machinga, September 6, Mana: Traditional Authority (TA) Mtumbwinda of Machinga District has applauded government for moving with speed to provide food support to hunger-affected families in his area some of whom were seen surviving on itching beans (chitedze).
The traditional leader expressed appreciation in an interview with Malawi News Agency Thursday when Machinga District Council with support from the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA) distributed maize to 100 households that depended on wild beans and other plants for survival.
He said his subjects have been relying on wild plants for survival, adding that it was impressive that government responded quickly after the council reported the food situation.
“I am happy that government has provided my subjects with this food support. It has been a quick response after reporting the case just few days ago. People that received the maize really appreciate government’s quick response.
“As a traditional leader, I appreciate the government and the council’s prompt response. My people have something to rely upon,” said TA Mtumbwinda.
He therefore asked the recipients to consume the food per government intention rather than selling the relief it.
Hunger situation in Machinga was known through a video clip that circulated on social media showing Margaret Pepe picking itching beans (chitedze) to make food.
Pepe was one of the recipients after DODMA came to Mtumbwinda for maize distribution to the hunger-affected households and thanked government for coming to the community rescue, saying there was relief after the food support.
“We appreciate the timely support by the government. We did not know that one day, we will receive relief food from the government,” she said.
Machinga District Disaster Risk Management Officer, Shepherd Jere said government came in after realizing that some people were food insecure in the area.
Jere added that the food provision came barely a few weeks after government also provided once-off maize flour to about 4,000 households in the district.
“Government is trying to provide food support to people in Machinga so that they should have something to eat while they are waiting for the start of the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC) response,” he added.
Malawi government through DODMA distributed the once-off maize flour recently in the country including Machinga District such that about 4000 households in the district benefited from the support.
