The Malawi Police Service (MPS) is developing a Gender Policy to promote fairness, safety, and equal treatment for both men and women in the service expected to be launched before the upcoming 2025 general elections.
The move was announced during a consultation meeting held in Lilongwe at the National Police Headquarters, where police officers, partners, and gender experts came together to shape the final draft.
Commissioner Violet Magwaya, who heads the Human Resource Management and Development department in the MPS, said the policy will help ensure all officers, regardless of gender, feel respected, supported and empowered in their roles. She thanked UN Women and UNDP for supporting the process, including a gender audit that identified both progress and areas needing change within the service.
“We want a Police Service that works for everyone, and this policy will help us get there,” Magwaya said.
Mr. Ronan Sweeney from the Embassy of Ireland stressed the need for proper funding to roll out the policy effectively, especially with elections around the corner. "The policy has gender initiatives that will increase accountability , fairness in recruitment, operations and it will also improve the approach as a service to Gender related issues" He said.
The policy is being developed in consultation with Dr. Bennederta Malunga, a gender expert from the University of Malawi. She noted that while the MPS already has some policies on gender and sexual harassment, a full Gender Policy is needed to guide all efforts in one clear direction.
“This isn’t just about ticking boxes,” she said. “It’s about making sure the Police Service reflects the values of fairness and respect that Malawians deserve.”
