First Lady Madame Monica Chakwera has called for increased efforts to empower girls and women in the digital space, highlighting ongoing challenges such as limited access to digital tools and rising cases of online harassment.
She made the remarks during the opening of the Women and Girls in Cyber Conference in Lilongwe, organized by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA). Madame Chakwera pointed out that women remain underrepresented in technology fields, especially in cybersecurity, and urged stakeholders to provide opportunities that equip women with digital and scientific skills.
She emphasized that when a girl’s private data is exposed without consent or when a woman is harassed online, it goes beyond being a technical issue—it becomes a matter of dignity and justice.
MACRA Board Chairperson Bridget Chibwana praised the women who have already taken bold steps in embracing the digital future. She said there is a need to maintain the momentum by creating inclusive and supportive environments that nurture young girls and women in technology through mentorship, networking, and collaboration.
Minister of Information and Digitalization Moses Kunkuyu assured participants that the government is committed to ensuring women take the lead in digital spaces.
The conference is being held under the theme “She Secures: Building a Strong and Resilient Cyber Ecosystem in Malawi.”
(By Andrew Kadzonda)