The Gender and Justice Unit is proud to launch our ambitious 2024-2028 Strategic Plan at a pivotal moment in the global gender equality movement. As we begin implementing our new strategic direction, we’re energized by the alignment between our six strategic pillars and the global frameworks renewed at the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69).
A Watershed Moment for Gender Justice
The CSW69 session marked the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, producing a comprehensive Political Declaration that reaffirms global commitment while acknowledging a sobering reality: no country has fully achieved gender equality three decades after Beijing. This recognition creates urgency for our work in Malawi.
Meanwhile, the Africa Common Position articulated in the Beijing+30 review process outlines regional priorities that address continent-specific challenges. These frameworks together provide a robust foundation for our strategic direction.
Our Strategic Pillars in Global Context
Our 2024-2028 Strategic Plan establishes six core pillars that directly respond to global priorities:
1. Legal Empowerment and Advocacy
The CSW69 Declaration emphasizes “ensuring equal access to justice and removal of structural barriers.” Our legal empowerment work will develop targeted training programs for marginalized communities and advocate for policy reforms promoting gender equality using our innovative Pabwalo approach.
2. Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration
Global frameworks call for “multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize knowledge and resources.” We’ll establish partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations to amplify impact through collaborative efforts.
3. Community Engagement and Empowerment
Both global and regional frameworks emphasize “empowering women and girls to promote their economic independence.” Our community workshops will raise awareness of gender issues and legal rights, while establishing support networks to address gender-based violence.
4. Legal Research, Monitoring, Evaluation and Innovation
The Beijing+30 frameworks highlight the need for “evidence generation and data collection.” We’ll develop robust M&E systems and conduct research on gender-specific legal challenges to inform policy development.
5. Institutional Development and Sustainability
Global frameworks emphasize “strengthening domestic resource mobilization.” We’ll build our institutional capacity through comprehensive needs assessment, staff development, and diversified funding strategies.
6. Cross-cutting Programming
Climate action features prominently in both global and regional frameworks. We’ll implement rights-based climate strategies and partner with organizations to ensure women’s perspectives are centered in environmental protection efforts.
Implementing with Purpose
Our implementation approach aligns perfectly with global calls for evidence-based approaches, inclusive participation, and strategic resource mobilization. We’ll work with government ministries, CSOs, development partners, and community structures to ensure lasting impact. The Gender and Justice Unit Strategic Plan’s central goal is clear: “Women in Malawi enjoy their rights fully.” This vision connects directly to the CSW69 Declaration’s ultimate aim of “a Malawi where gender equality and access to justice prevails.” As we move forward, we invite partners and stakeholders to join us in this critical work. Together, we can turn global commitments into concrete progress for women and girls in Malawi.
We express our sincere gratitude to the Irene M Staehelin Foundation and the Segal Family Foundation for supporting our participation in CSW69, enabling us to align our work with these renewed global frameworks.
