Government, NGOs urged to invest more in girls

Malawi: Miranda Tabifor, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) Malawi Officer in Charge, has urged the government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the country to invest more in girls if they are to contribute to the country's development.

She made the remarks on Thursday during the commemoration of International Day of the Girl Child, which was organised by Girls Empowerment Network (GENET) at Chiseka Primary School Ground in Lilongwe under the theme 'Our time is now-our rights, our future.'

Tabifor stated that because girls outnumber boys in many communities throughout the country, there is a greater need to invest in them so that they can contribute to the country's development.

She also stated that UNFPA will continue to support partners who work to improve the well-being of girls in the country.

According to her, UNFPA is currently providing financial assistance to GENET in order for it to run some of its projects aimed at empowering girls and young women in the country with various skills.

Takondwa Kaliwo, GENET Programs Advisor, stated in her comment that her organisation is committed to empowering girls in the country in various ways with support from UNFPA and other donors.

She also stated that, in addition to other programmes, they are implementing a project called 'Technology and Empowerment Enhancing Network in Safe Spaces (TEENS),' which aims to empower girls and young women in the country with business skills.