LILONGWE, MaraviPost: On International WOMEN’S Day the 8th of March last week, I was speaker in Liberia at the launch of the ELLEN SIRLEAF PRESIDENTIAL WOMENS CENTER.

In my speech, I drew the attention of the world about how African Women in positions of leadership at all levels are being abused. Scandalization, smear campaigns and abusive language being used against them aimed at breaking them when the same does not happen to their male counterparts.

Last year, Hon Ben Phiri made such abusive remarks against Dr Shanil Muluzi that I strongly condemned. As far as I am concerned women deserve to be respected.

It is in this light that I condemn in the strongest terms what Hon Ibrahim Matola said about Justice Dr Jane Ansah when he was making his contribution at the NECOF meeting today in Blantyre.

There are many things Justice Ansah could have done or said during this electoral process that I do not agree with, but she does not deserve to be spoken to in that manner.

I am told that Hon Matola has apologized but I am very sorry about this apparent abuse of a fellow woman and regardless of who has made the remarks, I condemn them in the strongest manner.