Minister of gender calls for marriage laws sensitisation

Minister of gender, children, disability and social welfare has bemoaned lack of awareness on gender and marriage laws.

Speaking during a sensitization workshop on gender and marriage related laws in Dowa district, Dr. Kalilani, thanked traditional leaders who are enforcing marriage laws by withdrawing underage girls to go back to school.

Dr. Jean Kalilani said the situation is putting most women in Malawi at a disadvantage in their local communities.

“Stakeholders should work with her Ministry in sensitising the rural masses saying there are still many people within the local communities who are not aware of gender and marriage related laws,” Dr Kalirani said

In his remarks, District Commissioner for Dowa, Alex Mdooko, stressed the need for chiefs to avoid perpetuating gender stereotypes against women.

“Chiefs must empower women for them to hold decision making positions,” M’dooko emphasised

However, the chiefs urged partners fighting gender stereotypes against women to ensure that the laws are simplified by among others translating them into vernacular language to enhance understanding among rural communities.