Launch of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) Malawi Chapter

1. INTRODUCTION

The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) launched its Malawian Chapter in Lilongwe on 2 March 2020 under the theme: Intergenerational leadership: Malawian Women Working Together for the Malawi we want.

In attendance were over 350 women, men and youth. These women were drawn from various sectors and groups such as Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Youth networks Private Sector entities, , women in business including entrepreneurs, Parliament, local councils, political parties, academic institutions and students, women living in rural areas, Government Ministries, departments and agencies,  UN Agencies and Development partners, among others.

Prior to the launch, UN Women in collaboration with Ministry of Gender, Children Disability and Social Welfare, engaged various stakeholders and put in place a national taskforce that facilitated preparations for the launch. Critical as well was the involvement of key development partners such as the German Embassy/Federal Republic of German (Malawi Foreign office), The Royal Norwegian Embassy, and the Embassy of Ireland Malawi. In consolidating the aim of AWLN, the African Union was also involved in linking the AWLN mission to the African Union Agenda 2063.

2. KEY MESSAGES

Key Speakers at the launch included the Ambassador Steinar Egil Hagen, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Malawi; Mr Juergen Thomas representing Ambassador Jurgen T Borsch, German Embassy in Malawi; UN Resident Coordinator Maria Jose Torres whose speech preceded the Video Statement by Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka UN Women Executive Director; H.E. Hilda Suka-Mafudze High Commissioner of Zimbabwe to Malawi who read statement by H.E. Madame Bineta Diop – AU Special Envoy for Women, Peace and Security; Erica Maganga, Principal Secretary for MOGCDSW; Hon Mary Thom Navicha, Minister, Ministry of Gender, Children disability and Social Welfare. The Minister officially launched the AWLN Malawi Chapter. 

The common thread message of the speeches was the recognition of ALWN as a critical platform to spur inclusive development by harnessing leadership roles of African women. AWLN was recognized as an opportunity for building a great legacy in as far advancing Gender Equality and Women Empowerment is concerned.

3. INTERGENERATIONAL DIALOGUE

During the launch, a Panel discussion was held. This involved women representing 3 key generations (i.e. from before the Beijing Declaration and Platform and afterwards in 1995; from 1996 to 2005, from 2006 to date) in symbolising the nexus between generational needs and the need for intergenerational leadership in advancing inclusive development and gender equality and women empowerment. Key conclusions from the dialogue were:

• Women representing different generations should work together and advance gender equality
• Young women should be supported such as through mentorship; Young women led organisations should be supported with funding to empower them implement interventions for transformative change interventions
• Women leaders need to undertake sustainable efforts beyond their generations so that other women in future should build on gains made.

4. PRIORITIES FOR MALAWI CHAPTER AND NEXT STEPS

Priorities areas for the Malawi Chapter include: 1. Empowering women living in rural areas; 2. Financial inclusion; 3. Women’s participation in politics and decision-making positions; 4. Young women and intergenerational leadership; 5. Gender Based Violence and 6. Peace and security.

Key next steps include the establishment of the National Steering committee; development of a consolidated workplan for the AWLN Malawi Chapter to provide direction of post launch activities and cascading the National Chapter to the district and community levels to ensure all women at all levels participate in the AWLN.

5. ACHIEVEMENTS

So far, AWLN, women leaders and women-led NGOs have formed the Feminist Macroeconomic Alliance aimed at ensuring gender-sensitive macroeconomic policies in Malawi. The alliance is championing the engendering of macroeconomic policies such as the current discourse on gender and tax justice, and debt management.

AWLN has also created a vibrant Young Feminist Movement that is carrying out nationwide advocacy on women’s human rights especially on ending all forms of violence against women and girls. The young feminist network is also bridging the inter-generational gap, with their voice and agency contributing to the fight against gender-based violence and the promotion of women’s rights.