Malawian VP Advocates for Holistic Strategy to Advance Women's Rights in Africa
The Vice President of Malawi, Jane Ansah, has declared that relying solely on legal frameworks is inadequate for promoting women's rights across the African continent. She emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive and holistic strategy to drive meaningful change, calling on governments to implement additional measures beyond mere policy declarations.
Call for Action at Enugu Event
Ansah made this appeal in Enugu over the weekend during the 60th birthday celebration of Prof. Joy Ezeilo, a distinguished Nigerian human rights advocate and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). She stressed that women's rights are not peripheral issues but are central to sustainable democracy and development in Africa.
Integrated Approaches to Overcome Barriers
The Vice President highlighted the need for integrated approaches that tackle social, economic, institutional, and cultural obstacles to gender equality. She acknowledged progress achieved through legal instruments such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act and the Child Rights Act, but noted that gender inequality persists due to weak enforcement, institutional gaps, and deeply entrenched patriarchal systems.
Challenges in Plural Legal Systems
Ansah warned that Africa's plural legal systems, which encompass statutory, customary, and religious frameworks, often undermine women's access to justice, leaving many without adequate protection. She identified key challenges including gender-based violence, harmful traditional practices, and economic exclusion, describing these as broader development concerns that require coordinated, multi-sectoral responses.
Economic Disempowerment and Emerging Threats
Further, she pointed to economic disempowerment as a major barrier, noting that limited access to land, credit, and financial systems continues to sideline women, particularly in rural areas. Ansah also highlighted emerging threats such as digital inequality, climate change, and migration, which disproportionately affect women and girls, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities.
In conclusion, Ansah urged African governments to move beyond rhetoric and pursue actionable reforms that address these multifaceted issues, ensuring a more equitable future for all women on the continent.
