Development structures in Mzimba District, Malawi have made a commitment to ensure inclusivity in their projects. This pledge was made during a meeting on gender-transformative and youth-inclusive democracy organised by Oxfam in Malawi and Women’s Legal Resource Centre (Wolrec). The meeting took place in Traditional Authority (T/A) Chindi in Mzimba District. The goal is to ensure that no one is left behind in development initiatives.
The meeting provided a platform for committee members to appreciate the importance of inclusive participation in development. Chindi Area Development Committee chairperson Chalwita Nkhonjera noted that they had been excluding the views of women, youths, and people with disabilities when implementing projects. He acknowledged that this was a mistake and that they must incorporate their views in future development plans.
Committee member Shawadzi Champhuntha expressed gratitude for the training, which they had not received since they were elected. The training covered how to conduct community development meetings, articulate issues, and ensure equitable development. Champhuntha believes that this meeting will enhance inclusivity in development implementation in their area.
Mzimba District Civil Society Organisations Network chairperson Kayiwonanga Gondwe highlighted the benefits of inclusive planning. According to Gondwe, inclusive planning can improve ownership of projects and reduce conflicts that arise when communities feel excluded from development processes. This is a significant step towards sustainable development in the district.
M’mbelwa District Council gender officer Jessie Mwanza also spoke at the meeting. Mwanza emphasized that community development can only be meaningful if people from different groups are given opportunities to contribute to decisions affecting their communities. She also stressed the need to incorporate the views of all people on how to develop projects.
Mwanza further suggested the need to push for the 60-40 gender balance to ensure women are promoted in decision-making bodies, even in Area Development Committees (ADCs). This balance is crucial for ensuring that women’s voices are heard and their needs are addressed in development plans. The committee members have pledged to share the lessons learned with village development committees.
The project is being implemented by Oxfam in Malawi and Wolrec, with funding from the European Union. The goal is to promote inclusive and equitable development in Mzimba District. By working together, the development structures aim to ensure that all community members are involved in identifying priorities and implementing projects that benefit everyone.
Key points
- Development structures in Mzimba District have pledged to involve youth, children, women, and people with disabilities in formulating and implementing development plans.
- The pledge was made during a meeting organised by Oxfam in Malawi and Women’s Legal Resource Centre (Wolrec) in Traditional Authority (T/A) Chindi.
- The project aims to promote inclusive and equitable development in Mzimba District, with funding from the European Union.
