African Diplomats commemorated Africa day in Lilongwe, Malawi, where Zimbabwean Ambassador to Malawi Her Excellency Dr Nancy Saungweme reiterated the call to empower women to end malnutrition in Africa.
The event hosted by Africa Union permanent representative in Malawi, ambassador David Claude Pierre attracted several people from the region who are domiciled in Malawi.
The African diplomats were treated to various foods from across the continent. Malawi Tourism minister Micheal Usi was the guest of honour.
In her speech as the Dena of African Diplomats in Malawi Dr Saungweme urged African leaders to empower women in the drive to address malnutrition.
“Today we celebrate this day centred on the theme of nutrition. A theme which suits so well in our fight for the betterment of our peoples,” Dr Saungweme said.
“As we commemorate this day, let us reflect on the accomplishments of people across the African continent as well as the challenges they have endured and are still to endure.
“This year’s theme fits so well in the call to address those challenges especially in ensuring food security for our people. Africa faces food insecurity and increasing malnutrition as a result of repeated circles of cyclones and other natural disasters.
“The situation has been worsened by the impact of Covid-19 pandemic that has left many African economies battered.
“It is important, at this juncture, to note that as we fight the challenges surrounding us, especially on nutritional issues, women play an integral party of the solution
“African women are the main part of the solution to end malnutrition across the continent,” she said.
Dr Saungweme also said: “This, they can only do, if gender barriers are broken and women are allowed to flourish and excel to greater heights across economic sectors.”
Saungweme, during her tenure as ambassador to Malawi has taken every opportunity she gets to also address the need promote inter-regional trade between Southern Africa countries.
“We are the solution to today’s problems so let us work together, create partnerships aimed at improving the lives of our people. As we celebrate this day, let us dedicate ourselves in strengthening diplomatic ties that are meant to create opportunities for our people. Through this, Your excellencies, we can help the continent to achieve sustainable goals.”
