Government in collaboration with the United Nations and the European Union have embarked on a new initiative aimed at ending violence against women and girls in the country.

This follows high level consultations involving the Malawi government, Civil Society, Development partners and the Private Sector on the implementation of the project.

Speaking during the consultations, Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social welfare, Dr. Jean Kalilani said the initiative will consolidate and advance already existing work.

“This shall be incorporated with work already underway related to battling harmful cultural practices and child marriages that perpetuate violence against women and girls,” she elaborated.

Conquering with Kalilani was the UN Resident Coordinator, Maria Jose Torres, who commended the consultations to assist the nation in developing a country program outline for the initiative.

“Lessons learnt and focus on impacts, rights based approach and coordinated delivery are principles that will underpin implementation both at national and district level,” she clarified.

Commenting on the matter EU Ambassador Marchel Gerrmann, expressed the EU’s commitment to protecting women and girls from any form of violence.

The project is being implemented under the EU-UN Spotlight Multi-Year Initiative, targeting 13 countries globally and 8 countries in Africa.

The initiative will contribute efforts towards achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Out of the initial investment of EUR 500 million by the EU, EUR 250 million has been allocated to assist in Africa.

Funding for Malawi’s project will be confirmed once the country program outline is finalized and considered by the Spotlight Initiative Secretariat in the office of the UN Secretary General.