By Dumbani Mzale, contributor, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia:
First Lady Monica Chakwera Sunday addressed the 29th General Assembly of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (Oaflad) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where she said Malawi is making progress in empowering women and girls.
Speaking at the assembly, which was held at the African Union Headquarters, Chakwera said Malawi had aligned its efforts with Oaflad’s vision by implementing initiatives that were premised on empowering girls through education, strengthening women’s economic participation and improving healthcare for women and children.
On the empowerment of girls, Chakwera said through her Shaping Our Future Foundation (Soff), her office had provided secondary school bursaries to 2,744 vulnerable students, 230 of whom had since graduated.
She added that 25 students were set to transition to university in 2024, with 144 more girls eligible for university selection in 2025.
She further said with the support of Oaflad, 200 secondary school girls had received mentorship, connecting them with accomplished women who are in leadership roles.
“Education is the cornerstone of empowerment. When we educate a girl, we change the trajectory of her life and the generations that follow. Education is not just an opportunity, it is a fundamental right that every girl must have access to,” Chakwera said.
Turning to the topic of women’s empowerment, Chakwera told the assembly that over 28,000 women across 4,171 households had benefitted from microgrants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.
She said such grants had enabled them to establish businesses and achieve financial independence.
The First Lady added that 160 women, supported by Oaflad, had launched irrigation farming and tailoring businesses, thereby ensuring long-term economic stability.
However, Chakwera acknowledged that while progress has been made, challenges remained, citing gender-based violence, disparities in healthcare and economic inequalities.
First Lady of Sierra Leone and incoming President of Oaflad, Fatima Maada Bio, pledged to work diligently to advance the goals of the organisation during her two-year tenure.
“Together with my Vice President, First Lady of Angola Ana Dias Lourenço, and the new steering members, we will dedicate our time and resources to building on the achievements of the outgoing leadership, achieving our vision and making a lasting impact on the vulnerable,” Bio said.
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