Malawi: How parenting circles are forging gender equity in Malawi
The article explores how community-based parenting circles in Malawi are reshaping traditional gender roles in caregiving and promoting shared responsibility between women and men. Introduced by government and coordinated by organisations such as Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO), the circles aim to strengthen parenting skills, safeguard children’s rights, and reduce neglect and abuse.
Women participants describe how the circles have empowered them to balance livelihoods with caregiving while challenging long‑standing stereotypes that place the burden of child care solely on women. Through shared learning and collective action, members support vulnerable children, promote positive parenting, and foster leadership among women at community level, despite facing limited resources and minimal male participation.
The story also highlights the importance of male involvement and institutional support to sustain the initiative. Perspectives from male participants, child rights activists, and government officials underline the need for attitude change, additional resources, and policy backing to ensure caregiving becomes a shared responsibility and to strengthen child protection and gender equity outcomes nationwide.
LINK TO PUBLISHED STORY
This article, first published by Yoneco FM , is part of the Media Parity Capacity Building and republished as part of the programme series.
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