The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has urged Malawians to reflect and renew their commitment to gender equality, warning that gender imbalances in workplaces and higher education are deepening.

MHRC Executive Secretary, Habiba Osman, said recent figures show that fewer girls are enrolling in higher education institutions while decision-making positions remain largely dominated by men.

“The prevailing gender inequality in the country calls for serious reflection and awareness as it continues to disadvantage women,” Osman told Zodiak after a gender equality engagement at the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST).

She stressed: “The time has come for society to regard women as equal partners in national development.”

During the engagement, it was observed that male students dominate enrolment across all courses at MUST, while only three out of 13 members of the university’s executive management are women heading faculties.

Dr. Atikonda Mtenje Mkochi, Dean of the Bingu School of Culture and Heritage at MUST, noted that science courses in particular have remained male-dominated because society traditionally views them as a male domain.

“We are working to change this perception and ensure that more female students feel encouraged to enroll in sciences,” said Mtenje.

Meanwhile, Osman revealed that inadequate funding continues to hinder the Commission’s ability to fully implement key mandates such as the Gender Equality Act and human rights outreach programs.

The gender equality engagement at MUST included a documentary screening, supported by funding from the Government of Iceland.