Lilongwe, Malawi – “Together we can make a difference to the people of Malawi particularly vulnerable women and girls that we serve”, UNFPA Resident Representative in Malawi Violet Kakyomya said at an official ceremony of handing over 995 bicycles to Government of Malawi.

The ceremony marked an important milestone in implementing the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment (GEWE) programme, which is funded by the European Union, executed by UNFPA and implemented by Government of Malawi through Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, Academic institutions and Civil Society Organizations in 13 districts of Malawi. 

“We ask the Honorable Minister and UNFPA to join us today in committing to do everything necessary to make sure that the resources continue to be effectively and fully spent, so lasting changes can be delivered for the women of Malawi,” said head of EU Cooperation Mr. Luis Navaro.

GEWE programme started in 2012 and targets vulnerable groups, mainly survivors of gender-based violence, people living with HIV and AIDS, as well as girls who dropped out of school because of gender and poverty related reason.

“When women prosper, society prospers,” said Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Mrs. Patricia Kaliati in her opening remarks.

GEWE aims to reduce gender inequalities in accessing productive resources and development opportunities. The programme targets agriculture, transport, education and health sectors, which are key in contributing to economic development and providing opportunities for advancement of gender equality and empowerment.

The 995 bicycles will be distributed to community facilitators, volunteers and mother groups in order to aid their mobility to access communities in rural and hard to reach areas where GEWE programme is implemented.