Malawi will commemorate the International Day of Families tomorrow Friday, May 16, at Mtandire in Lilongwe, Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Honourable Jean Muonaouza Sendeza, MP, has announced.

 

Speaking at a press briefing in Lilongwe, the Minister said the International Day of Families is usually observed globally on May 15, but Malawi will hold its event on May 16 under the theme: “Families and Urbanization.”

She said the theme highlights the important role families play in society and how urbanisation is affecting family life.

 

The Minister said the Government is taking steps to support families affected by urban challenges such as overcrowding, lack of services, and unemployment by implementing several programmes and policies aimed at strengthening family units and addressing the challenges posed by urbanisation.

 

These include family and child welfare initiatives, reforms promoting foster care, parenting education, and economic empowerment programmes like the Social Protection for Gender Empowerment and Resilience (SP-GEAR) also known as Amai Titukuke, which helps vulnerable women and girls in nine districts.

 

She cited laws such as the Child Care, Protection and Justice Act and the Marriage, Divorce and Family Relations Act as some of the legislation which protect family rights. The Minister called on all stakeholders to work together and support families, and urged members of the public to join hands in building better families as part of achieving Malawi’s Vision 2063.