Nkhotakota District continues to face poor
representation of women in various development structures, a development
authorities say is undermining inclusive growth and development.
The concerns emerged on Friday during a stakeholders'
coordination and policy brief paper dissemination meeting on the representation
and participation of women in development structures, organized by local
organization Umunthu Plus.
Findings from the policy brief paper revealed that some
community development structures, including Area Development Committees (ADCs)
and Village Development Committees (VDCs), have limited participation and
representation of women, while some structures have no female representatives
at all.
According to Umunthu Plus Gender Officer Andrew
Chikasamba, the findings showed poor representation of women in three of the
district's 11 Area Development Committees. Additionally, out of more than 256
Village Development Committees, 129 were found to have poor representation and
participation of women.
Chikasamba described the findings as worrying, saying
the lack of women's voices in decision-making processes is hindering
development efforts in the district.
"Women lack a voice in development activities
because there is no inclusivity," said Chikasamba.
Meanwhile, Umunthu FM understands that government
policy, through the Ministry of Local Government, requires community
development structures to have at least 40 percent representation of women.
Speaking during the meeting, Nkhotakota District Women's
Committee representative Esther Pasanje attributed women's low participation in
development structures to cultural practices that continue to favor men for
leadership positions.
"You may agree that it has been a long-standing
trend here in Nkhotakota for women to be sidelined from key development
positions. I believe increased awareness and emphasis on women's participation
will help improve the situation," said Pasanje.
Pasanje further described the situation as a serious
concern requiring intervention from all stakeholders to promote gender
inclusivity in development initiatives.
In his remarks, Nkhotakota District Council Principal
Gender Officer Alick Munthali said the council will continue engaging various
stakeholders to address the challenge.
"We have resorted to engaging various stakeholders,
including chiefs and development partners, to improve the situation. We will
soon take active action on this matter," said Munthali.
Umunthu Plus is implementing the Women Voice for
Peace Project in various parts of Nkhotakota, including the areas of
Senior Chief Mphonde and Traditional Authority Malengachanzi, among others. The
project is funded by the Women for Peace and Humanitarian Fund through UN Women
and aims to enhance women's inclusion and empower women to contribute to
peaceful communities.
Apart from promoting community development, gender policy advocates believe
that empowering women has the potential to create self-reliant communities and
help reduce cases of gender-based violence.
