MANAonline
Steadfast Ladies Ministry to host women's summit
By Memory Khutuliwa
Blantyre, May 27, Mana: Steadfast Ladies Ministry has organized Women's Summit on May 31 at Chichiri Primary School in Blantyre where women from Nsanje to Chitipa will come closer to Jesus under the theme, Kingdom-minded woman.
Steadfast Ministry’s Southern Region Coordinator, Mama Apostle Sarah Mbeta, said, “Steadfast ladies is an interdenominational ministry of ladies with a vision to raise a generation of ladies that are focused, steadfast, unmoved to help fellow ladies realise their purpose through God’s word,
“Preparations are going on well. We have invited Pastor Maggie Mkwichi to bless us with the word of God,”.
Apostle Mbeta added that the summit will go into prayers, teaching and preaching the word on top of praise and worshipping the Lord, as the women's summit is expected to host women from Nsanje to Chitipa.
“Since we meet once in three months, I am encouraging every woman to attend this event so that there will be a better connection with the Lord. Every woman should fear the Lord, love the Lord and the most important thing is to live a life of prayer,” she added.
She disclosed that, apart from hearing the word of God, at least 50 ladies will receive a small-scale business capital.
Guest of honor, Pastor Maggie Mkwichi, said preparations were progressing very well and urged women to attend the summit, assuring them of multiple spiritual benefits.
“Ladies should not look down on themselves. What I am hearing most in my spirit is to preach and encourage women to do the work of God and to always move with the Holy Spirit to stand on their own when they face challenges,” said Mkwichi.
MSG PARTNERS WITH RMIT
By Austine Kananji
Lilongwe, May 27, Mana: Malawi School of Government (MSG) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) to formalise the partnership, which seeks to harness the strengths of both institutions in pursuit of excellence, innovation, and societal impact.
The official signing ceremony of the MOU took place on Monday evening at the Capital hotel in Lilongwe city, attracting different heads of departments from the MSG and some officials representing the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)
Speaking on the occasion, the Director General of the Malawi School of Government (MSG), Prof Asiyati Chiweza, appealed to all members of the Malawi School of Government academic and administrative staff to embrace the partnership with energy, dedication, and a shared sense of responsibility.
“Let us be diligent stewards of this collaboration and honour the trust placed in us by our esteemed partners,” she said.
She further said that as a School, they are fully committed to the diligent and results-oriented implementation of the MOU and eager to see tangible results, including collaborative outputs, shared knowledge, empowered professionals, and better-served communities.
In his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor and Vice President of RMIT University Professor Colin Picker, appreciated the relationship between the MSG and his institution RMIT as manifested by signing the memorandum of understanding that reflects the commitment to collaborate the two Institutions in various areas and bridge the gaps that separates Universities in Australia and Malawi.
“The MOU we have signed reflects the commitment to collaborate across different areas, including research, Curriculum programme development, Student staff mobility, as well as collaborating in the area of education technology where we are hoping that together we can figure out some new approaches using the very latest artificial intelligence,” he said.
He further explained that with the Malawi School of Government, they are hopeful to engage with industry with corporations, NGOs and others to blend industry or NGO perspectives into the classroom and their research as RMIT works closely with industry partners in the development of their programmes and research.
The MOU, which will run for 5 years long outlines the collaborative areas, including Joint research initiatives, Capacity building and professional development programmes, Government and industry engagement, and Faculty, student, and staff exchange programmes, which will foster mutual learning and strengthen global perspectives within both institutions.
MSG amalgamated the former Malawi Institute of Management (MIM) and the staff development Institute (SDI), and the school started its operations on 1st December 2022, following the government`s announcements of its commencement date, offering academic undergraduate programmes (4 years) and postgraduate programmes (2 years).
CYECE engage stakeholders on unsafe abortions in Machinga
By Doricah Mkwapatira
Machinga, May 27, Mana: Centre for Youth Empowerment and Civic Education (CYECE) engaged stakeholders including chiefs, religious leaders and other partners to collaborate in advocating for quality sexual and reproductive health services to prevent unsafe abortion among adolescent girls and young women as the district continue to register rising numbers of unsafe abortion.
During the stakeholders meeting, CYCE District Coordinator, Isaac Salimu, highlighted importance of disseminating comprehensive information about the risks of unsafe abortions among adolescent girls and young women.
“It is very important to make sure that young women understand the risks of unsafe abortions because they lead to many risks associated with reproductive health that may even threaten their lives. Resorting to such practices is risky and unacceptable,” he added.
Health authorities in Machinga District said a lot of civic education was needed on how, where to access and use contraceptives.
Post abortion Care Programme Coordinator from Machinga District Hospital, Jacqueline Kamenyu gave an overview of statistics indicating the rise of cases of unsafe abortion over the years.
“Machinga reported 978 cases in 2023, with cases rising to 1,122 in 2024. So far, 350 cases have already been recorded from January to April 2025; the overall trend remains alarming,” the coordinator added.
She acknowledged that public hospitals don't perform abortions but said local leaders need to join the advocacy, raising awareness about the consequences of unsafe abortion on top of building a generation of responsible young minds that should be aware of sexual reproductive health issues.
Kamenyu observed that ignorance of the dangers of unsafe abortion is the main contributing factor to the rising cases among adolescent girls and young women in Machinga District.
Traditional Authority Sale expressed deep concern over the alarming rate of unsafe abortions among adolescent girls and young women, regardless of the risks associated with the practice.
He therefore called on fellow traditional leaders to put in place bylaws that should help to deal with the trend in their respective communities.
“The rise in cases of unsafe abortion is very heartbreaking and very much against the law. It is therefore our responsibility, as local leaders, to enforce bylaws in our communities that deal with this trend.
“Such practices are not only worrisome, but unsafe abortion is also illegal and uncalled for in our society,” he added.
With funding from Amplify Change, CYECE advocates for access to safe sexual and reproductive health services through a project implemented in Machinga District called Access to Safe Abortion Advocacy.
MHRC emphasizes Importance of strategic litigation in promoting gender equality
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, May 26, Mana: The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has highlighted the significance of strategic litigation in advancing gender equality and protecting human rights in the country.
Speaking on Monday at Sunbird Capital hotel in Lilongwe during a strategic litigation workshop, MHRC Chairperson Chikondi Chijozi emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach to promoting gender equality, particularly in the context of public interest cases.
"The strategic litigation is a crucial tool for promoting gender equality and protecting human rights, as it can provide access to legal remedies for marginalized communities and challenge existing laws or practices", she stated.
Chijozi noted that access to justice remains a significant challenge in Malawi, particularly for marginalized communities, emphasizing the need for a legal framework that promotes gender equality and protects human rights, highlighting the importance of strategic litigation in shaping these frameworks.
Chijozi urged participants to prioritize strategic litigation in their work, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that takes into account the broader social and economic context.
United Nations (UN) Women Deputy Country Representative Patuma Muhammad has emphasized the need for Malawi to strengthen its laws to reduce the gender equality gap.
"Closing the gender equality gap can have a positive impact on Malawi's sustainable development, as women's participation is crucial for economic growth and social progress", she said.
The MHRC's emphasis on strategic litigation highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to promoting gender equality and protecting human rights in Malawi.
Blantyre in soil health campaign
By Gift Wahuta
Blantyre, May 26, Mana: One Acre Fund and District Agriculture Officer in Blantyre are planning for 2025 soil health campaign with One Acre Fund reaffirming to improve soil health in the district as part of its broader effort to increase agricultural productivity and income among farming households.
One Acre Fund, a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to uplifting smallholder farmers by providing them with financing and training, made its commitment recently during the soil health campaign launch planning meeting with the agriculture office.
One Acre Fund’s Public Relations Officer, Bertha Namelo Kapitawo, told Malawi News Agency (Mana) that the campaign is meant to help farmers boost crop yields by restoring and maintaining quality soil.
“You can have fertiliser and other inputs, but if the soil lacks nutrients, the harvest will still be poor, Healthy soil means better yields and better income for farmers,
“That’s why we are investing in this and the whole essence of working closely with farmers to bring back soil health,” she said.
One Acre Fund publicist added that the soil health campaign began last year, 2024, when agricultural field officers were trained so as to train farmers on sustainable farming practices, as the initiative also included a mindset change at Traditional Authority level.
“This year, we are continuing but shifting our approach. We will be using a mobile van for wider outreach, raising awareness about soil health, promoting early incorporation of crop residues to ensure decomposition before crop cultivation and discouraging burning of residues,” she added.
Kapitawo said farmers need to practice food budgeting and proper planning to ensure newly harvested crops are properly stored for food security at the household level.
The campaign, in collaboration with the Blantyre District Council, is set to begin this week to cover all Extension Planning Areas (EPAs) in Blantyre, including Ntonda, Lunzu, Lirangwe, Kunthembwe, and Chipande.
Land Resources Officer at the Blantyre Agriculture Office, Charles Mthyoka, welcomed the initiative and pledged the office’s full support.
“This campaign comes at the right time as we will also use it as an opportunity to continue with messages of best agricultural practices we already promote, such as manure preparation and agroforestry practices. We are committed to working hand in hand with One Acre Fund to make this campaign a success,” said Mthyoka.
The soil health initiative is expected to empower more farmers to adopt sustainable practices that will improve crop production and livelihoods in EPAs across Blantyre.
Government for more people on social support programs
By Tamala Kamanga
Dowa, May 26, Mana: Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General, Honorable Richard Chimwendo Banda, has assured Dowa people that Government is committed to increase the number of participants in the social support programs, like Social Cash Transfer (SCT) and the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) across the country.
He said this on Sunday at a political rally at Dowa community ground in the district.
Chimwendo said the government acknowledges the efforts and contributions that Dowa makes to the country's Economy.
"Dowa is a food basket that has been feeding Malawi for a long time, and as government we recognize the effort people in the district make towards the country’s economy.
"However, we understand that there are many others who are still finding it difficult to sustain their livelihoods. That is why we are still intensifying efforts to have more people on social support programs both in Dowa and the rest of the country," he said.
He then urged people to vote for President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, during the September general elections in order to sustain this vision.
"The president has already given us water, we have a big dam which farmers and many other people will benefit from, through irrigation farming.
"The M1, the Dzaleka-Ntchisi roads are some of the critical roads in the district as our farmers will now easily transport their produce to sell to good markets," said Chimwendo.
In his remarks, former minister of trade and industry, Sosten Gwengwe said that as a country, there is a need to look at home grown policies that can help the country turn around and start relying on its own.
In his remarks, MCP Regional Chairman, Zebron Chilondola urged people in Dowa to unite and support MCP by voting for MCP candidates in the coming general elections.
Mp Expresses Optimism over voter support
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe,May 26, Mana: Member of Parliament for Lilongwe South west Dr Mphatso Boti who is also Malawi Congress Party Parliamentary candidate for a newly-created Lilongwe Mude Constituency, has expressed confidently that president Chakwera will receive overwhelming support from the constituency's 54,000 registered voters.
Speaking during a rally on Sunday at Chifuka primary school playing ground, boti expressed hope that the voters will rally behind the president, citing the large size of the constituency and its significant number of registered voters.
"We have a large size and number of registered voters in the area and I believe that all are going to vote for president Chakwera," he said.
Minister of Trade Vitumbiko Mumba, stated that in the first five years, president Chakwera is laying the foundation for remarkable development, emphasizing the importance of Malawians re-electing president Chakwera to ensure that the foundations he has laid yield fruit.
“Am encouraging people in this area to vote for president Chakwera so that he may continue with the good work he is doing " he said.
Mumba also announced that within this week, the Salima Sugar Company will resume operations, which he believes will help alleviate the sugar shortage problem.
Meanwhile, Senior Chief Khongoni thanked the minister of trade for his efforts in fighting for consumer rights in the country.
College Principals hone skills on extended student orientation
BY Sarah Munthali
Lilongwe, May 27, Mana: The Ministry of Labour says a well-managed extended orientation programme would help enhance quality at technical colleges and reduce drop-out rates among students from marginalized backgrounds.
Principal Quality Assurance Officer at the ministry, Annette Chiweza, said this at Mponela in Dowa on Tuesday when she closed a five-day training on extended orientation programme, which was aimed at equipping principals and instructors with skills on supporting students from marginalized backgrounds.
The training was organized by Forum for African Women Educationalists in Malawi (FAWEMA) under the Second Chance Pathways for Increased Access to Tertiary Education for Marginalized Young Women and Men project, which is being implemented in partnership with Mastercard Foundation.
Chiweza said extended orientation programme is critical as it is not limited to the student’s entry point but continuously look at the needs of students including counselling, mentorship, building entrepreneurship skills and transitioning to industry.
“For most marginalized students, the college is a new environment compared to where they come from and, therefore, extended orientation provides opportunity to level the ground for all students,” Chiweza said.
Chiweza said it was now the duty of the Colleges to develop student support strategies that would help improve student outcomes.
FAWEMA Executive Director, Wesley Chabwera, said his organization was committed to supporting government to increase access to tertiary education in line with the country’s development agenda.
“Students from marginalized backgrounds are the most disadvantaged and we believe entrenching extended orientation in the system would help address academic and social challenges that these students face,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Principal for Nasawa Technical College Yusuf Josaya said the training would benefit colleges in graduating quality students including those from marginalized backgrounds.
“We now appreciate that orientation is an ongoing activity and includes student counselling and solving student problems and not just introducing students to school systems,” Josaya said.
The training brought together principals and instructors from Livingstonia, Mzuzu, Namitete, Lilongwe, Salima, Soche and Nasawa technical colleges. The Malawi Council of Disability Affairs (MACODA) technical college was also represented.
Second Chance Pathways for Increased Access to Tertiary Education for Marginalized Women and Men intervention is a seven-year (2024-2030) project which will directly impact 1,350 young women and men from marginalized backgrounds to access tertiary education through TVET and university programmes.
Mndolo urges stronger support for environmental health
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, May 26, Mana: Secretary for Health, Samson Mndolo, has emphasized the critical role of District Environmental Health Offices (DEHOs), in preventing disease outbreaks, pleading for greater investment and support amid mounting public health challenges.
Speaking at a review meeting in Salima on Monday, Mndolo said the gathering aimed at assessing progress made in the past year, sharing lessons learned, and identifying priority areas for improvement, especially with the recent Mpox outbreak.
“This meeting is vital in allowing us to take stock of the work done by our frontline environmental health teams.
“DEHOs are at the forefront of preventing and responding to public health threats. Strengthening their capacity is not just a necessity, it is a national priority,” he said.
Chief Preventive Officer for Mangochi District, Chimwemwe Jella, highlighted that while progress has been made in several thematic areas of environmental health, many challenges persist.
“These diseases continue to strain our already limited resources, the population keeps growing, but the number of healthcare workers, especially Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs), has not kept pace. This imbalance affects the delivery of essential preventive services," he said.
Jella stressed the importance of recruiting more HSAs to bridge the gap between population needs and service delivery, especially in rural and underserved areas.
A significant blow has come from recent funding cuts by the United States government, which had been a major supporter of Malawi’s public health initiatives.
“These funding cuts has a ripple effect across our programs. We urge both domestic and international partners to continue supporting our health systems. Without their assistance, we risk reversing the gains we have made in disease prevention and response," he added.
Participants to the meeting, which was supported by World Health Organization, shared best practices and strategies for integrating community involvement, improving surveillance systems, and bolstering emergency response mechanisms.
Malawi committed to strengthening gender equality
By Donald Zimba
Lilongwe, May 26, Mana: The Government of Malawi has reaffirmed its dedication to advance gender equality and empowerment of women and girls.
Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza, made the commitment when she officially opened the Post-Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) 69 Stakeholder Engagement Meeting held in Lilongwe.
Sendeza emphasized on the importance of unity in addressing gender issues in the country.
“We have to focus on real issues that are affecting our people,” she stated, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to achieve gender equality in Malawi.
The meeting aimed to align Malawi’s legal and policy frameworks with the CSW69 Political Declaration, and key recommendations discussed included developing a Malawi-specific action plan for 2025–2028 in partnership with UN Women; and establishing a task force to monitor implementation with annual public reporting.
The meeting also discussed facilitation of the ratification of the African Union Convention on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls (CEVAWG); accelerating the dissemination and implementation of national strategies on gender policy; ending child marriages, and male engagement.
Additionally, the meeting highlighted the need to strengthen domestic financing for gender equality initiatives and improve data management for evidence-based policy reforms.
UN Women Malawi Representative, Letty Chiwara, noted that “poverty wears a woman’s face” and she outlined the critical role adequate and transparent financing play in achieving gender equality.
Chiwara acknowledged the challenges ahead, but she described the “the journey towards gender equality as being not an easy one, yet worth taking.”
The stakeholder engagement meeting serves as a platform to develop a roadmap for implementing the CSW69 recommendations, aiming to accelerate progress towards gender equality and women’s empowerment in Malawi.
