Conservation clubs urged to implement gender equality

MALAWI: Conservation clubs in Phalombe district, surrounding Mulanje Mountain, have been encouraged to provide equal participation to all genders as they work towards forest protection in order to ensure gender equality.

Gender issues, such as inequalities between men and women, have been reported to have a significant impact on a country's development due to unequal participation of women in decision-making and leadership in the conservation of natural resources, among other things.

During a meeting, Henry Chinthuli, Programmes Officer for Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust, stated that gender issues are arising in communities as a result of cultural beliefs that have increasingly created differences in how men and women are portrayed in society.

“Due to the inequalities, we thought it wise to provide training on the promotion of gender equality among men and women working as volunteers in the conservation of natural resources at places surrounding Mulanje Mountain. Members have been encouraged to ensure that women should also take part in making decisions and accommodating different views from all,” said Chinthuli.

Environmental Education and Communications Officer Kondwani Chamwala stated that Mulanje Mountain is of great ecological and economic importance to communities living nearby and beyond, thus the need to provide such conservation clubs with knowledge and resources to protect wildlife reserves throughout the country.

Meanwhile, the Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi (WESN), in collaboration with the Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust, has pledged to increase the spread of messages about the importance of conserving forest reserves in the areas surrounding Mulanje Mountain.

Members from Likulezi, Chiyanjano, Mwayiwathu, and Phalombe conservation clubs were among those who attended the training.