Girls have asked government to finalize harmonization of child-related laws in the country.

Presenting a communique on Wednesday in Mangochi during a two-day High Level National Dialogue Forum on Girls in Malawi, Speaker of Children’s Parliament, Victoria Ganamba said the harmonised laws will recognise a child as someone aged below 18 years.

Ganamba also called on government to introduce safe spaces in all districts for survivors of abuse, youth friendly health centers in all facilities across Malawi and align policies across ministries.

Dr Admark Moyo, Regional Head of Programme, Children and the Law, African Child Policy Forum (ACPF) said the issue of conflicting laws across ministries needs a strong stakeholder coordination to address it.

He also stressed the need for comprehensive stakeholder collaboration to ensure that girls are attaining all their rights.

Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Patricia Kaliati has challenged girls to stand up for their rights and not succumb to pressure that increase the risk of abuses.

“I would like also to challenge Directors and Principal Secretaries to provide leadership and implement strategies to improve the status of girls and women,” Kaliati said.

She also called on men and boys to respect themselves and protect the girl-child.

Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO) Executive Director MacBain Mkandawire stressed the need for government and stakeholders to reflect and challenge themselves and protect the girl-child.

The High Level National Dialogue Forum on Girls in Malawi was held under the theme; “Towards a girl friendly Malawi”, was organized by African Child Policy Forum (ACPF) in partnership with Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO) and the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare.