MEJN calls on religious leaders to take lead in combating socio-economic inequalities

Malawi: The Malawi Economic Justice Network (MEJN) has challenged faith leaders to take the lead in combating social and economic inequalities because they have direct links to communities and the government.

MEJN Vice Board Chairperson Reverend Innocent Chikopa said this during his opening remarks at a two-day training workshop for faith leaders on policy and budget analysis being held in Lilongwe that they are creating partnerships that will ensure government policies and actions are of direct benefit to the poor, they thought of engaging faith leaders because they play a larger role in the country and their input is highly valued.

He then called for joint efforts to provide checks and balances on how public resources are managed.

As the country faces economic hardships, Reverend Chikopa believes that relevant stakeholders must collaborate to ensure that public resources are used properly.

He explained that because their goal is to form partnerships that will bridge the gap in ensuring that government policies and resources benefit the poor, they are considered faith leaders because they are trusted by their followers and have a direct link with the government.

 Rev. Innocent Chikapa- MEJN Vice Board Chairperson

Concurring with Rev. Chikapa on the importance of faith leaders in the implementation of the MW2063, Guest of Honor at the training Presidential advisor on religious affairs Reverend Brian Kamwendo stated that the government is doing everything possible to ensure that social protection programmes are enhanced.

 Rev. Brian Kamwendo, Presidential Religious Affairs Advisor

The training is part of a five-year project called Fighting Social and Economic Inequalities in Education and Social Protection, which is being funded by NORAD through the Norwegian Church Aid (NCA).