By Tenson Zobo
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Malawi has challenged government to facilitate a working relationship between citizen and government’s rules of law to enhance good governance in the country.
Non-Governmental Organization Gender Network Coordinator Victor Maulidi said Thursday during a press briefing on return of joint CSOs Malawi CEDAW Shadow report to Geneva for CSOs working in gender and women’s rights in Lilongwe. As CSOs they have done their part which is to creating a platform between the two sides.
CSOs in Malawi do recognize that Malawi as a state party has made significant progress in strengthening the legal and policy framework for women’s right. However, notwithstanding the positive achievement made by state, areas of gender equity and good governance are of critical importance in as far as restoring country economy is concerned.
“Lack of political will by government to implement the Gender Equity Act and gaps in the GEA are among the limiting factors in promoting development. For instance, female representation in decision-making bodies is blow to success of Malawi. Regarding to cabinet appointments, female representation is at 15% while at Malawi Human rights is at 14% and competition and fair Trading Commission it is 20% and National Aids Commission at 0% leading to less incorporation of women in governing issues yet President is one of the 8 He or She Global Champions”, lamented Maulidi.
Gender Coordinator for CCJP Elita Yobe in her sentiments recommends that government should amend the Constitution to ensure for example; definition of age of a child is harmonized with the law on Marriage, Divorce and Family Relations.
“Good governance cannot be achieved where there is; inconsistency in the different provisions regulating the definition of a child in Malawi. The Constitution provides that persons under the age of 15 years cannot get married while for those between for 15 and 18 years can get married with consent from parents or guardian and those over 18 years can get married without any limitations. This is why want government to be clear in as far as promoting good governance is concerned”, she said.
The meeting brought together NGOs, CSOs, representatives and other stakeholders in which Oxfam Country Director John Makina drilled them on how to make access and provision to held leaders accountable, hence promoting good governance in Malawi.
“We were told that the success story of Malawi’s development and economy emanated from coordination between the private sector and government and this should not be difficult for government especially after we have started the process”, he said.
CSOs are optimistic that through the Geneva trip government will be kin to look into issues of; Gender Equity Act, Electoral Laws, Citizenship Act, Education and many others as priority areas to govern the country to achieve the key milestones issues.
