Malawi has made significant strides in domesticating international and regional gender instruments by enacting various gender-related laws, such as the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (2006), the Child Care, Justice, and Protection Act (2010), the Deceased Estates (Wills, Inheritance, and Protection Act) 2011, the Gender Equality Act (2013), the Marriage, Divorce and Family Relations Act (2015), the Land Act (2016), and the Customary Land Act (2016), among others. Despite these advancements, the main challenge lies in the effective implementation and enforcement of these laws. For instance, while the Gender Equality Act exists, women’s representation in decision-making roles in the public sector remains low, at just 24%. Similarly, despite the law against domestic violence, recent surveys show that one-third of women have experienced physical violence since the age of 15.
It is clear that there is a need to engage stakeholders and law enforcement agencies to ensure proper implementation and compliance with these laws. However, implementing these laws requires resources, and gender interventions at the national level often lack sufficient budget support. Gender-responsive budgeting is therefore a crucial tool to ensure that resources are effectively allocated to address the gendered needs of women, men, girls, and boys.
NGOGCN is committed to changing this situation by focusing on:
a. The implementation and enforcement of international instruments and existing laws.
b. Raising awareness and popularizing legal instruments and gender-related laws.
c. Monitoring and reporting on international and regional gender instruments and protocols.
d. Advocating for gender-responsive budgeting and public expenditure tracking to ensure funds address gender equality effectively.
Strategic Issue: To promote gender equality and elevate women’s status in society, it is vital to enact and implement laws that eliminate discrimination and foster gender equality. Given the historical context where social and cultural norms relegated women to the background, positive action is required to bring women to the forefront through the enactment and enforcement of progressive gender-related laws.
Strategic Goal: To improve access to justice. Effective implementation of existing gender-related laws is expected to enhance women's access to justice.
i. Strategic Objective 1: Raise awareness and popularize all gender-related policies and laws.
ii. Strategic Objective 2: Contribute to effective reporting on international and regional gender instruments/protocols.
iii. Strategic Objective 3: Advocate for increased budgetary allocations towards gender equality and empowerment efforts.