The Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare has formulated a National Male Engagement Strategy which has been launched on Wednesday in Lilongwe.

The strategy which was officially launched by the Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, honourable Jean Muonaouza Sendeza, MP is aimed at providing direction and guidance on the implementation of all male engagement initiatives in Malawi.

Sendeza said for a long time, men and boys have not been included in efforts to fight gender based violence yet they are the ones who perpetrate the violence most of the times. 

Said the Minister: “Male engagement s therefore a very critical component in all efforts to ending gender based violence.”

She observed that the strategy identifies key result areas which include harmful social norms, HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights programmes, among others and described them as focus areas that require more attention and improvement.

She further said that the strategy signifies Malawi Government’s commitment to achieving sustainable goal number 3, 5 and 10.

“If well-coordinated and implemented, the strategy will significantly and sustainably contribute to the realization of gender equality in Malawi,” she said.

UN Women Head of Programmes Victor Maulidi said the strategy will help in awareness of issues of gender based violence.

He called for concerted efforts to operationalize the strategy and ensure there is action if the fight against gender based violence is to be won.