Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Patricia Kaliati, has expressed concern over the challenges women in the country continue to face.
According to Kaliati, women continue being victims of high maternal mortality rate, early pregnancies, high rate of HIV/Aids prevalence and disparities in leadership positions.
Kaliati said this in Lilongwe on Wednesday ahead of the International Women’s Day which will be commemorated on March 8, 2016 at Lukalazi Secondary School in Nkhata Bay under the local theme of “Pledge for Parity” derived from the larger international theme of “Commitment and Action”.
She said government is doing all it can to reduce the challenges that women are facing by, among other things, intensifying campaigns like the 50-50 representation in public positions.
“The challenges faced by women will be reduced by supporting girl education, hence monitoring the rights of girls. They are given ration meal to encourage girls to go to school, providing student loan of education, provision of scholarships … furthermore, government will supply health equipment in hospitals to reduce maternal deaths,” Kaliati said.
International Women’s Day was set aside by the United Nations (UN) to, among others, recognise and celebrate the tremendous contribution and achievements of women in the development of communities and nation, socially as well as economically.
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