Malawi First Lady Monica Chakwera have said women need to empower women in all spheres in order for them to contribute to national development and the aspirations of the Malawi 2063. Madame Chakwera was speaking at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Sunday during Zokonda Amayi Macheza 2023.
Zokonda Amayi Macheza is an annual event organised by Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) which draws women across the country through Zokonda Amayi program aired on MBC Radio 1 where women greet each other through phone calls or text messages.
She said women that are empowered are capable of contributing to various developmental agenda for the benefit of their communities in particular and the country as a whole.
“It is important for women to belong to groups such as Zokonda Amayi Macheza so that they share ideas thereby uplifting their livelihoods. I, therefore, encourage you all to continue with various activities in your groups so that together we can develop the nation,” she said.
She hailed MBC for the initiative saying it is giving women a platform to showcase their talents thereby upgrading themselves by sharing ideas through the different talents that they have.
Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza said she would love to see the women in village saving groups so that they are economically empowered.
She appealed to MBC to incorporate some initiatives that would promote women and ensure that such initiatives help address gender based violence (GBV).
MBC Director General, George Kasakula said the corporation will implement what the minister has asked and have initiatives that empower women in dealing with GBV. Kasakula was glad to say that Zokonda Amayi Macheza has grown big since its inception 10 years ago.
