Source: Star Africa                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Malawi is hosting a meeting of ministers responsible for gender/women affairs in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) that is reviewing progress made by member states in implementing the region's gender programme during the past year.

Malawi's Secretary for Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Mary Shawa said the ministers would, among other issues, review the region's policy environment, the status of gender mainstreaming and the ongoing review of SADC's 15-year blueprint – the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP).

"The body is committed to the attainment of gender equality, protection of women's rights and advancement of women's empowerment at international, regional, sub-regional and member states levels," she said.

Shawa said the SADC member states would also look at ways of combating gender-based violence, increasing the participation and representation of women in politics and decision making positions, and the African Union's campaign to end child marriage in Africa.

The meeting would be officially opened by Malawian President Peter Mutharika on Friday.

• Malawi