Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) and the Network of African Women in Conflict Prevention and Mediation (FemWise Malawi chapter) have launched a joint project aimed at building peace and enhancing security in Karonga, Machinga and Mangochi.
The nine-month project, whose launch took place at Machinga Teachers Training College in Machinga on Friday, aims at empowering women and the youths in peace-building in the three districts.
The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) is funding the project to the tune of US$140, 000.
Principal Secretary (PS) responsible for national unity in the Ministry of Local Government, National Unity and Culture, Dr. Elizabeth Gomani Chindebvu said the launch of the project marks a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts towards achieving lasting peace and security.
Chindebvu said the government is particularly excited that the intervention is coming at a time Malawians are preparing for the forthcoming General Elections in September 2025.
“This project represents a breakthrough in preventing violent conflicts. It demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that peace efforts are inclusive, particularly of those who have historically been marginalized,” said Chindebvu.
The PS commended CCJP and FemWise Malawi for ensuring inclusion of women and young people in achieving lasting peace and security. She said this is in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325, as adopted in 2000, which underscores the critical importance of women’s involvement in peace and security decisions.
Chindebvu said Malawi is committed to localizing and implementing the resolution, which ensures that women have a seat at the decision-making table in peace building and conflict resolution efforts.
“The government of Malawi advocates for inclusive peace processes where women, youths, and individuals with disabilities are actively involved in decision-making. The impact of conflict on women is profound. Sexual violence, severe crimes, and psychological trauma are devastating realities that women often face during conflicts. These experiences not only scar individuals, but also damage the fabric of our communities. Therefore, it is imperative that women, alongside youth, take an active role in peace-building to create safe and secure spaces across Malawi,” she narrated.
In her remarks, Commissioner at the Malawi Peace and Unity Commission, Mary Nkosi, described the launch of the project as a powerful declaration of the country’s commitment to creating an inclusive society where every voice is not only heard, but also valued.
Nkosi said women have unique insights and experiences, which are critical in fostering coexistence among diverse communities.
“We pledge our unwavering support to FemWise Malawi, CCJP and all partners involved. Together, we will not only achieve the objectives of this project but also lay a solid foundation for future peacebuilding efforts,” he said.
CCJP District Coordinator for Machinga, Christopher Nazombe, said the project could not come at a better time than now when preparations for the September 2025 General Elections are in progress in most political parties.
“This is the right time for the project since we are first approaching elections. And we have already noted incidents where the youth have been engaged in politically-connected violence,” he said.
He advised young people to desist from engaging in political violence and instead become agents of peace.
Nazombe also appealed to political parties to collaborate with CCJP and its partners in raising awareness about the need to maintain peace and security during the upcoming campaign.