As Senior Social Performance Specialist, I led efforts in social performance and gender equality. The initiatives were guided by a Gender Equality and Gender-Based Violence and Harassment action plan covering five key areas: gender integration in workplace and community-related project activities, prevention of gender-based violence, response to violence, monitoring and evaluation, and stakeholder engagement.
Creating meaningful participation
The organisation achieved a minimum of 36% female representation across its operations. Women’s active participation was also promoted through livelihood restoration activities, village grievance redress mechanisms and corporate social responsibility committees.
The company qualified for the 2X Challenge in 2021 and, as a signatory to the Women’s Empowerment Principles, had been actively implementing the guidelines since 2019.
Investor support can accelerate progress
In Malawi’s private sector, gender equality is still an emerging concept. Partnerships with investors are therefore critical. Investors provided extensive support through funding assessments that shaped the Gender Equality Action Plan and through capacity-building programmes such as the Women Leadership Programme.
These initiatives support women’s empowerment while contributing to wider community development. After more than a decade working in gender equality, I have seen a clear relationship between gender equality and socio-economic development.
Gender is a cross-cutting issue that should be integrated into every decision-making process, rather than being considered in isolation.
Leading by example
Although Malawi’s private sector is not currently subject to regulations imposing employment quotas for women, organisations can still set a strong precedent. By adopting and implementing the Women’s Empowerment Principles, companies can demonstrate the potential of gender-focused initiatives to transform the private sector.
This article is adapted from Grace Kalowa Kaonga’s testimonial published in an Impact Report 2024 feature.