Violence Against Women
Source: AllAffrica
Lilongwe — President Dr. Joyce Banda has called on non-governmental organization to help the country in fighting against gender based violence.
The President made the call on Thursday at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe when she held talks with the visiting UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova.
Dr. Banda highlighted that many Malawian women faces a lot of challenges such as early pregnancies, HIV/Aids, school dropouts and poverty among others.
"In Malawi violence against women is at rampant, we really need support from the organization like UNESCO to help us combat such malpractices," said the president.
She said that her Government is working hard in empowering women with relevant skills through the Ministry of Gender and Ministry Education, Science and Technology in promoting them to go for higher education.
"Higher education is a key to development of a country especially to mothers and girl child, there is a need to encourage them to go for higher education," explained the President.
Dr. Banda therefore, thanked UNESCO for supporting various developmental projects such as tourism, education and energy sectors in the country.
In her remarks, Bokova said she is inspired with President Joyce Banda's commitments in promoting education and her acceptance to have an audience with UNESCO on development issues in the country.
"Our organization will continue to support Malawi in promoting girl child education, culture to improve development of the country," said UNESCO Director.
She disclosed that UNESCO is planning to construct a university of science and education in the country to improve higher education standards, culture and entrepreneurship of Malawian.
Bokova is expected to leave the country Friday.