Education Minister Advocates for Girls' Education at 5th Wealth Woman Summit
The Minister detailed several health initiatives benefiting schoolgirls, including the administration of iron and folic acid supplements to 165,000 girls and HPV vaccines to over 204,111 girls.
LILONGWE, Malawi— The Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima, delivered a powerful keynote address at the 5th Wealth Woman Summit held at Bingu International Convention Centre on Friday, emphasizing the critical importance of girls' education in Malawi, writes Winston Mwale.
Speaking under the summit's theme, "Accelerate Action," Minister Wirima highlighted the government's commitment to advancing girls' education as part of the International Women's Day celebrations.
"As Nelson Mandela once said, 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.' We are committed to arming our girls with quality education, empowering them to become change-makers in their communities," stated Minister Wirima.
The summit brought together distinguished guests, including the Ambassador of the Republic of Norway to Malawi, Her Excellency Ingrid Marie Mikelse; Wealth Magazine Managing Executive, Mr. Harry Chima; and several prominent business leaders, including Deputy CEO of NBS Bank Plc, Mrs. Temwani Simwaka.
In her address, Minister Wirima outlined significant achievements in promoting girls' education in Malawi, including reaching a gender parity index of 1.03 for primary enrollment, which now favors girls, and 0.92 for secondary schools.
She also noted the establishment of functional mother groups in 98% of primary schools and 62% of secondary schools to support the implementation of readmission policies.
The Minister detailed several health initiatives benefiting schoolgirls, including the administration of iron and folic acid supplements to 165,000 girls and HPV vaccines to over 204,111 girls.
Additionally, she highlighted the School Meals Program supporting vulnerable children and the EQUALS project, which has constructed additional facilities in 103 secondary schools across the country.
"We are committed to addressing the five key threats to girls' education: poor food and nutrition, inadequate protection against violence, poor quality schooling, harmful social practices, and violations of girls' sexual, reproductive rights," Minister Wirima explained.
The Ministry's strategic approach includes strengthening community-based complaints mechanisms, implementing safe schools initiatives, and providing training on parent-child communication to create supportive environments for girls' education.
Minister Wirima emphasized the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach, acknowledging partnerships with UN agencies, NGOs, key government ministries, and civil society organizations in implementing the National Girls Education Strategy.
The 5th Wealth Woman Summit, coinciding with International Women's Day celebrations, brought together women leaders from various sectors to discuss strategies for accelerating action toward gender equality and women's empowerment in Malawi.
"Let us work together to accelerate progress, promote girls' education, and empower women. We must translate our discussions into tangible actions," Minister Wirima said.