95th AfWASA STC: PROWAS Malawi network officially launched
Lilongwe, Wednesday 23 July 2025 – On the sidelines of the 95th Strategic and Technological Council of the African Water and Sanitation Association, the official launch ceremony of the PROWAS Malawi network (Professional Women in Water and Sanitation) took place. The event brought together the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mrs. Abida Mia and numerous technical and financial partners.
In her opening speech, Engineer Fidelia Moyo, President of PROWAS Malawi, warmly welcomed the active participation in this regional initiative. She recalled that PROWAS aims to unite professional women in the WASH sector (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), promote their leadership, and strengthen their involvement in decision-making processes. She emphasized that PROWAS does not promote women merely for parity’s sake, but because they possess the skills and legitimacy necessary to contribute effectively to the sector’s development.
She also highlighted the importance of capacity building, mentoring, and self-confidence, noting that women should be able to advance in their careers without having to give up their often demanding social roles.
Minister Abida Mia, for her part, welcomed the initiative, which aims to strengthen women’s capacities and inspire young girls to pursue careers in the WASH sector. She called for more active female solidarity, regretting that it is still too often men who promote women.
The minister also commended the commitments of President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, who appointed a woman to lead the Ministry of Water, demonstrating his will to establish more equitable governance. She stressed the central role of women in water management, particularly in rural areas, where they are the most affected by lack of access to this essential service.
Referring to the risks, the long distances to fetch water, and the opportunities lost by girls and women as a result, she called for full recognition of their role in resource management and public health.
Finally, she congratulated AfWASA for its support of the initiative and expressed pride that Malawi is at the forefront of this movement in favor of women's leadership in the water and sanitation sector.
