Lilongwe, March 11: Malawi’s First Lady Gertrude Mutharika and Ambassador of the United States of America to Malawi, Virginia Palmer on Tuesday led women in celebrating 101st anniversary of International Women’s Day at a cocktail hosted by the US ambassador.
Speaking at the function, Malawi’s first lady said this year marks the 101st anniversary of the first observance of International Women’s Day which in its early years was used to honour the women’s rights movement, including advocating for the right to vote, holding a public office, and end discrimination in the workplace.
“Today the day is observed as a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change, and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by women who have contributed to making a difference in their communities and countries,” said Mutharika.
She said as fabulous women there was a need to make sure that they were taking giant strides in ensuring that each woman and girl can exercise her rights, such as participating in politics, getting an education, having an income, and living in societies free from violence and discrimination.
“One might ask, are we really fabulous? Let me take you on a short journey to unlock your minds and see how special we are. Let me quote The President of the United States of America, Barack Obama, ‘As half the planet, women make immeasurable contributions to our world. They are entrepreneurs, farmers, educators, scientists, artists, soldiers, mothers, heads of state – the list is endless. Without them, economies would collapse, political systems would deteriorate, and families and communities would fall apart,’” she emphasized.
Mutharika said Malawians should not to act and be treated as second-class citizens, their abilities should never be undervalued and that they should fully enjoy their human rights.
She said that while there have been many achievements, many serious gaps remain. She called for participation of all people in upholding of women’s achievements, recognizing their challenges and focusing attention on women’s rights and gender equality.
“There is a gap though between women’s inherent value and how many eventually reach their potential and become fabulous women like we are here tonight. On this International Women’s Day, let us unite and commit ourselves to closing that gap,” said Mutharika, urging fabulous women to pay special attention to girl child education.
She added that as they were celebrating International Women’s Day, achievement of some milestones as fabulous women, they should not forget the plight of the girl child’s education.
Mutharika said that she has huge passion for the girl child education because she believes that an educated girl can contribute positively to her other biggest passion – Beautify Malawi initiative.
Ambassador of the United States of America to Malawi, Virginia Palmer, urged fabulous women to learn from each other and look after each other and consider issues that affect all women and work together to achieve great things for Malawi.
