Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Malawi Voice
Published on 2024-03-07 09:41:10
United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Regional Bureau of Africa director Ahunna Eziakonwa recently hosted a closed-door roundtable dialogue on women’s empowerment with various stakeholders at Ryalls Hotel in Blantyre. The 2-hour and 30-minute dinner dialogue focused on the theme, “Taking a transformative approach to inclusion and equality: searching for viable solutions to barriers to the advancement of women and girls in Malawi.”
The meeting, organized as part of International Women’s Day commemorations, provided an opportunity for participants and stakeholders to discuss the structural barriers that hinder women and girls from realizing their full potential. Attendees included Minister of Gender Children and Social Welfare Jean Sendeza, UNDP resident representative Fenelia Frost, head of missions for Iceland Inga Petursdottier, Ambassador of Norway Ingrid Marie Mikelsen, and other prominent gender rights activists.
In addition to the roundtable dialogue, Eziakonwa took part in various official engagements in Mchinji and Blantyre during her visit. She met with President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera and officials from the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) and attended the inauguration of the University Innovation Pod (UniPOD) at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Science. The UniPOD is an innovative initiative aimed at promoting academic and technological advancements in alignment with the UN’s commitment to sustainable development.
Following her engagements in Malawi, the senior UN official Eziakonwa departed the country on Wednesday evening via Chileka International Airport in Blantyre. It was a productive visit that highlighted the importance of addressing gender equality and empowering women and girls to reach their full potential in Malawi.
Overall, the roundtable dialogue and Eziakonwa’s engagements underscored the ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and empower women and girls in Malawi. By bringing together stakeholders and fostering discussions on structural barriers, important steps are being taken towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all. The UNDP’s commitment to sustainable development and gender equality was evident throughout the visit, showcasing the organization’s dedication to advancing women’s rights and opportunities in Malawi.
Read the original article on Malawi Voice
