Malawi: Vice President Chilumpha states women's empowerment crucial to good governance

September 1, 2007 – (WLUML) "The theme of this year’s Ijtima was “Moslem Women Participation in Good Governance and Decision Making” and drew over 3 000 attendees from Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe." (AfricanPath)

Malawi’s State Vice President Dr. Cassim Chilumpha has deplored the lack of women's involvement in decision-making during a public function he performed on Saturday at Nkhotakota Islamic Centre.

The theme of this year’s Ijtima was “Moslem Women Participation in Good Governance and Decision Making” and drew over 3 000 attendees from Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Chilumpha said women need to be empowered by elevating them into high decision-making positions in all sectors if they are to contribute meaningfully in the country’s development.

“For a long time, women have been marginalized and the time has come to give them a chance to be involved in development and decision making,” said Chilumpha, urging Muslim women and girls to go to school for a better future by taking advantage of the free primary school education.

The Vice President also called upon Muslim women and local leaders across the country to take a lead in helping the underprivileged.

“Just as Prophet Mohammed and his wife Khadija, you should be concerned with the plight of the vulnerable and orphans and be able to provide them with their basic needs,” he advised.

Chilumpha is currently under police bail charged with treason by President Bingu wa Mutharika's administration.

The case is failing to take off in the courts as the State has on numerous occassions failed to furnish the overwhelming evidence claimed to be in their position.

From:http://www.wluml.org/english/newsfulltxt.shtml?cmd[157]=x-157-556251