Africa-Press – Malawi. The just inaugurated feminist’s power house, Woman Democratic Institute (WDI) on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 awarded influential women in Malawi for their impact contributions in various spheres of life.
WDI a non-profit and non-partisan organization is committed to invest in advancing and reinforcement of gender transformative and responsive governance and inclusive democracy by supporting women’s participation and leadership in political and public life.
The institute Malawi Women of Influence Award Project awarded influencial women including Speaker of Parliament Catherine Gotani Hara, Women footballer Temwa Chawinga, Anti Corruption Bureau Director General Martha Chizuma, Malawi Police Inspector General (IG) Merlyn Yolamu, Presidential Advisor on Non Government Organizations (NGOs) Martha Kwataine, Malawi Human Rights Commissioner Teresa Ndanga and UTM Secretary General, Patricia Kaliati among others.
Accepting the award, the Speaker Gotani Hara expressed her gratitude for having been considered for the award. The Speaker added that the award she has received is not hers alone as there are several players that took part in championing the development agenda.
“We are highly honoured to be the first recipients of this prestigious award, knowing that we are not the only women who are making a difference here in Malawi, there are many other women out there who deserve to be recognized as well,” she said.
Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza believed that women are agents of change and drivers of development. “Malawi is blessed with many talented, courageous and visionary women who have been instrumental in shaping the social, economic and political development of our nation.
“These women have demonstrated leadership, innovation and excellence in various sectors such as education, health, agriculture, business, media, arts, civil society and sports,” she observed.
Sendeza said the project is one of government’s flagship initiatives designed to recognize and honoring the exceptional contributions of influential women in Malawi across spheres.
While inaugurating WDI and women awards, Malawi Vice President’s wife Mary Chilima described the initiative as timely for promotion of women empowerment, leadership and participation in all spheres of society.
Chilima said the project is a relevant initiative that showcases the diversity, talent and excellence of women in Malawi. “It is also a powerful platform that raises awareness awareness and advocacy for issues and challenges that women face and the solutions and opportunities that they offer,” she said.
Chilima added that the project is a celebration of women’s achievements but also a call for action and commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality. WDI Executive Director, Edith Tsilizani said through the project they seek to amplify women’s voices and celebrate their achievements.
“We plan to make it an annual celebration, dedicated to acknowledge and honor the exceptional contributions of influential women who have made remarkable contributions in their respective professional disciplines,” Tsilizani said.
WDI is involving in the following services including women Economic Empowerment, promoting for Gender Equity and Social Inclusion including access to health, advancing Gender Governance and Democracy, campaign for Women/Gender Environmental and Climate Justice, enhancing Gender Access to Justice and the Rule of law, women and Culture (Leaving no one behind) Approach and women Health and Rights
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