The Scottish Government has commended Malawi President Professor Peter Mutharika for number of efforts he is doing in making sure that the country tackles issues of early marriages and human trafficking.
The visiting Minister for Europe and International Development Humza Yousaf congratulated Mutharika and his government at Kamuzu Palace in Malawi’s Capital Lilongwe before holding bilateral talks in camera on areas of aide and trade and investment.
“We noted with great happiness, your own personal resolve to tackle some of the social issues in Malawi particularly on early child marriage. And we noted many of the success you had on this with the passing of the Marriage, Divorce, Family Relations Act and even the personal stance you have taken against Human Trafficking as well.” Said Yousaf
He said “So we applaud you and salute you in these efforts and we say that Scotland standby with you as a partner as strongly as we did 156 year ago”
In an interview the Scottish Minister underlined that social reforms pursued by President Mutharika are as important as economic reforms.
“That’s only through a just society only, if you reduce inequality can you have a prosperous economy. We believe that in Scotland and I believe that for Malawi. So, ending child marriages, taking important steps against human trafficking, these things are incredibly important.” He said
Yousaf, however, asked Malawi to further improve such reforms and address Gender Equality gaps.
“One of the biggest reforms not just for Malawi but for across the world is the gender equality gap. In Scotland we also suffer from gender inequality and we are trying to make steps to improve how to get women into the work force.
Women make up 52 % of population and make no sense to have 52% of the population not in the work force. So I think one of the biggest social reforms still for Malawi, for Scotland, for most countries is trying to reduce the gender equality gap and that is one of the Sustainable Development Goals. So, we will work with Malawi on that far” said the Scottish minister
The Scottish Minister further promised that his government will continue to be Malawi’s partner in such issues and that it is ready to provide assistance whenever it is needed.
Under president Peter government, the Malawi National Assembly passed two important legislations which protects girl child; Marriage, Divorce and Family Relations Act on 12 February, 2015, and Trafficking in Persons Act on 25th February 2015. Furthermore, President Mutharika on 26th February, 2015 he signed for the He for She campaign which promotes gender equality and call to end gender based violence.
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