Malawi-National-Action-Plan-UNSCR-1325-_-MWI_FINAL_PRINT-1
UNIT AND FREEDOM
Republic of Malawi
National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325: Women, Peace and Security (2021-2025).
UN Women D P: United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women.
Emphasis on Resilient nations.
NATIONAL ACTION PLAN
Overview
WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY
I. FOREWORD
Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare (MoGCDSW) promotes:
Gender equality and development.
Community mobilization and welfare protection for all Malawians.
Advocacy for self-reliance and active participation in national development.
Functions include:
Empowering women politically and economically.
Reducing gender-based violence.
Enhancing functional literacy.
Protecting the elderly and persons with disabilities.
The National Action Plan (NAP) is built around four thematic pillars of UNSCR 1325:
Participation: Involvement of women in decision-making.
Protection: Safeguarding women's rights in conflict situations.
Prevention: Addressing causes of conflict.
Relief and Recovery: Support for affected individuals.
The NAP aligns with Malawian needs and priorities.
Stakeholder consultations were conducted despite COVID-19 social restrictions.
Developed alongside a Project Document to enhance implementation.
II. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Gratitude expressed to contributors, particularly UN Women.
Highlighted collaboration with Task Team led by Mrs. Marjorie Shema.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword
Acknowledgment
Acronyms
Glossary
Introduction
Background
Global and regional human rights instruments related to WPS.
National policies and legal frameworks related to WPS.
Context of Malawi
Political history
Influx of refugees
Women peacekeeping participation
Key institutions involved in peace and security.
Implementation arrangements.
Partnerships.
Monitoring and evaluation.
Implementation plan.
References.
III. ACRONYMS
CCJP: Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace
CEDAW: Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
DPC: District Peace Committee
DoDMA: Department of Disaster Management Affairs
GRLs: Gender Related Laws
MGCDSW: Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare
MDF: Malawi Defence Force
MPS: Malawi Police Service
NAP: National Action Plan
OPC: Office of the President and Cabinet
SADC: Southern African Development Community
UN Women: United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women
IV. GLOSSARY
Conflicts: Tensions from incompatibility of goals.
Culture of Inclusion: Environment that prioritizes diverse participation.
Gender Mainstreaming: Strategy to incorporate gender in institutions.
Gender-based Discrimination: Unequal treatment based on gender.
Peace Culture: Commitment to peacebuilding efforts.
V. INTRODUCTION
1. BACKGROUND
UNSCR 1325: Adopted in 2000 to advocate for women's roles in peace.
Importance of women's participation in conflict prevention and reconstruction.
Malawi signed the resolution and is developing the NAP with UN support.
1.2. GLOBAL INSTRUMENTS
CEDAW: Calls for elimination of discrimination against women.
Other relevant documents include the Beijing Declaration, Sustainable Development Goals, and various UN resolutions emphasizing the role of women.
1.3. NATIONAL POLICIES
Malawi Growth and Development Strategy includes gender as a priority area.
Relevant laws include the Gender Equality Act, National Gender Policy, and others pertaining to peace and security.
2. CONTEXT OF MALAWI
2.1. POLITICAL HISTORY
Malawi transitioned from one-party rule to multiparty democracy in 1994.
Political grievances and few acts of violence affect peace efforts.
2.2. INFLUX OF REFUGEES
Malawi hosts refugees from neighboring countries, affecting local resources and leading to community conflicts.
2.3. PEACEKEEPING PARTICIPATION
Malawi Defence Force has deployed women in peacekeeping roles, but numbers remain low compared to men.
2.4. SITUATIONS AFFECTING WOMEN
Economic limitations, gender-based violence, and political underrepresentation continue to challenge women's peace and security in Malawi.
3. NATIONAL ACTION PLAN
4.1. RATIONALE
Inclusivity in conflict prevention is essential for lasting peace.
4.2. METHODOLOGY
Development included stakeholder consultative workshops and literature reviews.
4.3. GOAL
Promote inclusive peace and security for women and girls.
4.4. OBJECTIVES
Enhance accountability on Women, Peace, and Security.
Mainstream gender norms in processes.
Capacitate institutions on WPS agenda.
Increase women's participation in decision-making.
Prevent violence against women and girls.
Protect women and girls in emergencies.
4.5. PRIORITY AREAS
Focus on increasing participation, protection, prevention, and effective humanitarian responses for women.
6.0. PARTNERSHIPS
Collaboration with various stakeholders, including government ministries, civil society, and UN agencies, is necessary for the plan's success.
7.0. MONITORING AND EVALUATION
A framework for ongoing evaluation and data reporting on the projects is necessary for success.
8.0. IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
Key interventions on participation, protection, prevention, and relief outlined across respective pillars.
REFERENCES
Includes documents on the implementation of UNSCR 1325, health surveys, action plans from other nations.