Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera is expected to preside over the International Dialogue on Generation Equality and Women’s Leadership in Africa conference that will take place in Lilongwe from 7th to 9th April.
The Conference that will be held under the theme “Growing and Glowing Against all Odds”, will be attended by high-level dignitaries, including former heads of state and global business captains.
Speaking to MIJ Online, Patricia Kaliati, Minister of Gender and Social welfare said the conference seeks to create an opportunity to facilitate intergenerational dialogue among multi-stakeholder groups on women’s leadership and political participation.
She said through the conference, they want to find solutions on ending violence against women and girls and how to empower women economically.
“We also want to empower young women leaders. The plan is to invite young women. Have a talk with them, hear their stories, challenges and help them become what they want in life. They are tomorrow’s women leaders, so it is our duty to help them achieve their dreams”.
“And we are having tripartite elections in 2025, after this conference we want to see a good number of women contesting. We have done a lot in terms of having good numbers of women in cabinet, Judicially, even in foreign missions; but still more has to be done”. Said Kaliati.
One of the Conference Organizers, Emma Kaliya said during the Conference, current women leaders will pass the leadership mantle to the young girls aged between 15 and 20.
“We are aging, and it is important to let the young women take over the leadership. But for that to happen, they need to know what leadership means, what generation equality means. So this conference will help us shape the young girls on how they can be good leaders” said Kaliya.
On her part, Phoebe Kasoga, Country Director of Plan International Malawi described the conference as a landmark event that will level the play ground for women.
The conference will also unveil the First Women Trade Centre in Lilongwe and further provides a unique opportunity for networking for women in business at regional, continental and global levels (this is according to a Statement from Action Aid Malawi, one of the Conference Organizers).
Dr. Joyce Banda, in her capacity as current Chairperson of Women’s Empowerment and Development (WED) Africa – Asia and Member of the Committee of Elders (comprising of former and seating Female Heads of State) at AU African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), is expected to lead the three days’ conference.
Other high-level delegates that will be in attendance include Ellen Sirleaf Johnson, former President of Liberia; Jewel Taylor, Vice President of Liberia; Catherine Samba Panza, Former Interim President of the Central African Republic and Joice Runaida Mujuru, Former Vice President of Zimbabwe.