The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has welcomed the appointment of the new Cabinet by president Lazarus Chakwera.

In a statement signed by its chairperson, Ms Scader Louis, the Commission has described the development necessary and important step in governance and development.

The statement has also described as a great significance the appointment of 40% women representation.

Reads part of the statement: “For this, the Commission congratulates His Excellency the President for complying with section 11 of the Gender Equality Act, 2013 by meeting the gender quota of not less than 40% and not more than 60% of either sex in such appointments.”

The Commission further expressed grateful that out of 12 women, 6 are holding the position of full Ministers.

However the commission has reminded the president that women should not always hold the lower spectrum of the percentage of the gender quota saying Malawi has more women who have the capacity.

On the other hand, MHRC the statement has expressed sadness that the the youth and persons with disabilities have been side-lined in the Cabinet despite government’s commitment to inclusion in the National Youth Policy and National Policy on Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities.