Every 8th of March, the world marks International Women’s Day; a moment to celebrate the achievements of women and girls and to reflect on the work that remains. This year’s theme “Rights. For All Women and Girls” is both a call and a compass.
Women and girls still face systemic barriers that limit their choices, compromise their health, and restrict their full participation in society. Three issues demand particular attention: the role of women as equal drivers of development, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and gender-based violence (GBV). Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right; it is essential for sustainable development.
When women and girls are educated, healthy, and economically empowered, families thrive and nations prosper. When their rights are constrained, development slows and inequalities deepen. Women are not passive recipients of development; they are architects of it.
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Across Malawi, women contribute to agriculture, entrepreneurship, education, healthcare, and governance. Contrary to the common narrative, Norway did not become prosperous simply because of oil. The real engine of Norway’s long-term development was its decision in the 70s to bring women fully into the workforce.
As childcare, parental leave and gender equality policies expanded, women entered paid employment, enabling Norway to build a high productivity, dual earner economy. Natural resources alone do not create broad-based prosperity; inclusive policies do. No country can unlock its full economic potential without everyone participating in the workforce at equal terms.
Sexual and reproductive health and rights are central to dignity, autonomy, and opportunity. They include access to family planning, quality maternal healthcare, safe abortion services within the law, prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, and accurate, age-appropriate sexuality education. Too many young girls still face early and unintended pregnancies, often disrupting their education and limiting their future prospects.
Too many women and girls encounter cultural and religious barriers to accessing SRHR services. Protecting these rights is a matter of justice and equality. The most effective ways to reduce unintended pregnancies and abortions are investments in family planning, comprehensive sexuality education, and youth-friendly services.
Evidence shows that restrictive policies do not eliminate abortion; rather, they increase the likelihood that it occurs under unsafe conditions. Reducing preventable maternal injury and death must remain paramount, calling for revision of the law. The legal framework should be clarified to help health professionals provide care within the law and to help women understand their rights and options.
As Malawi continues national conversations on health and law reform, central considerations should be to ensure protection of women’s lives and health, provide legal clarity for healthcare providers, and reduce preventable maternal harm. Gender-based violence remains one of the most pervasive violations of human rights. It undermines health, limits participation, and perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality. For many, justice remains distant- delayed by stigma, fear, or weak enforcement.
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