As the world marks International Women’s Day, Malawian women from diverse backgrounds and identities are coming together to celebrate their achievements and push for greater representation and inclusivity.
Gladys Mponda, Vice President for Malawi Union for Informal Sector (MUFIS) emphasized that International Women’s Day gives focus to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights and violences and abuse against women.
“International Women’s Day is a global day to recognize and celebrate womens’ and girls’ social economic, cultural and political achievements,” said Mponda.
She also added that it is time to highlight the progress made in advancing women’s rights and the ongoing efforts needed to ensure their full participation in all aspects of Society.
In Malawi, women make up over 50% of the population, but they remain underrepresented in leadership positions, face significant barriers to education and economic opportunities, and are disproportionately affected by poverty and violence.
But despite these challenges, Malawian women are rising up and demanding change. They are organizing, mobilizing, and advocating for their rights and interests.
One such woman is Martha, a 27-year-old single mother from Mpemba in Blantyre district in Malawi. Martha has faced numerous challenges in her life, including poverty, lack of access to education, and domestic violence. Therefore, she has refused to give up.
With the support of a local women’s organization, Martha has started her own small business, selling vegetables and fruits at the Mpemba market. She has also become a vocal advocate for women’s rights and empowerment in her community after attending Collective Bargaining study circles from Malawi Union for Informal Sector (MUFIS).
“I want to show other women that they too can overcome their challenges and achieve their goals,” Martha said. “We need to support and uplift each other, and demand that our leaders do the same.”
“We need to recognize and celebrate the diversity of women’s experiences and identities in Malawi. We need to create spaces for women of all backgrounds and faiths to come together and demand their rights,” Martha added.
As Malawian women celebrate International Women’s Day, they are also calling for greater action and commitment from their leaders to address the challenges they face.
“We are not just celebrating women’s day,” Martha said. “We are celebrating our resilience, our strength, and our determination to create a better future for ourselves and our communities.”
However, Mponda concluded by saying that let’s celebrate International Women’s Day with heartfelt wishes, inspiring women in the Informal Economy worldwide for their strength, resilience and achievements.
Welldone