Older Persons' Bill Hailed as Landmark for Elderly Rights
The 2018 Population and Housing Census report, Malawi's older population, defined as individuals aged 60 and above, stands at around one million, representing 5.4% of the national population.
LILONGWE, Malawi - The Malawi Network of Older Persons' Organizations (MANEPO) hailed the passing of the Older Persons' Bill on Friday as a historic achievement for the rights and welfare of the elderly in Malawi, writes Tionge Hara.
"The passage of this landmark legislation marks a significant milestone in our nation's efforts to address the challenges faced by our aging citizens," Andrew Kavala, Executive Director of MANEPO stated in a press statement.
He expressed gratitude to the National Assembly for their bipartisan support in enshrining legal protections for older persons, who make up over 5% of Malawi's population according to the 2018 census.
"For years, our elderly have endured harsh realities of poverty, discrimination, abuse, and neglect with no specific laws to uphold their dignity," Kavala said.
"With this bill, Malawi has firmly committed to safeguarding the rights of its senior citizens."
The newly passed Older Persons' Bill establishes a comprehensive legal framework to address issues affecting the elderly.
Key provisions include prohibitions on age-based discrimination, measures to prevent elder abuse and violence, and the establishment of community care systems and monthly financial grants to enhance welfare and economic security.
Kavala particularly commended Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Jean Muonawauza Sendeza for her leadership in steering the legislation through parliament.
"We owe a debt of gratitude to the honorable minister for her tireless efforts to make this bill a reality," he affirmed.
The Older Persons' Bill comes against a backdrop of increasing violations against Malawi's elderly population.
MANEPO documented over 113 cases of elder abuse in 2023 alone, with 25 killings and 88 harassment incidents fueled by witchcraft accusations.
The network also recorded a staggering 68% rise in reported attacks against older persons between 2021 and 2022.
"This alarming reality underscored the urgent need for a robust legal mechanism to safeguard the rights and welfare of our senior citizens," Kavala explained.
While celebrating the milestone, he acknowledged more work lies ahead in changing societal attitudes that enable abuse and marginalization of the elderly.
"Eradicating entrenched myths will require a nationwide, multi-sectoral commitment," Kavala urged.
"But with this law, we have taken a crucial first step towards building a truly inclusive society that values and protects our senior citizens."
The bill also mandates the establishment of a National Steering Committee on Older Persons to oversee implementation and enforcement across all levels of government.
As Malawi joins the ranks of nations prioritizing elderly care and protection, MANEPO has called on all citizens to unite in upholding the dignity of their aging population and creating an equitable society for all.