AACC Male Champion for Gender Justice receives the 2024 Women of Substance Award for promoting Gender Equality in Malawi

With the intention of empowering men to be at the forefront of ending Gender Based Violence, the AACC in 2020 established the Male champions for Gender Justice platform in Malawi through the Directorate for Gender and Women. Since then, male religious leaders in this initiative have significantly contributed to promoting gender equality and equity in the southern African country.

Sheikh Amir Jaafar Kaŵinga, one of the Muslim male champions for Gender Justice was recognized by the Pan African Learning and Growth Network (PALGNET) for his tremendous contribution in promoting gender equality in Malawi. This was during the annual Women of Substance (WOS) Award dinner held at the Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre on 26th April 2024. According to PALGNET, the WOS awards are presented to women and men that have excelled and made an impact in their field of work and their communities as nominated by their various associations.”

“I thank the UN women for nominating me for this award.” Said Sheik Amir in a telephone interview.

Sheik Amir is a member of Malawi’s Public Affairs Committee and the Malawi Interfaith Aids Association Board. He is the Vice Chairperson for Qadria Muslim Association of Malawi (QMAM) board of Trustees, Chairperson for the Muslim Forum for Democracy and Peace (Musford -PC), an Ambassador for Christian-Muslim Relations in Africa (PROCMULA) and a village chief.  

He is known for promoting women leadership and his firm stand against gender Based Violence and socio-economic oppression of women.  Since he was commissioned as AACC’s male champion for gender Justice, he has rescued over 50 girls from forced marriages and mobilized for them support to pursue their academic and entrepreneurial dreams. His work with the UN Women and other organizations in Malawi have led to the establishment of over a hundred youth education clubs that provide safe spaces for addressing sexual and reproductive health and rights challenges among young people in the country.

“I appreciate the AACC for helping me and other religious leaders recognize that part of our responsibility is to end Gender Based Violence and promote human dignity.” Expressed the Sheik.

“I dedicate this award to all Male champion for Gender Justice across Africa. I pray that we remain motivated to ending Gender Inequalities in our countries and Africa at large.” He continued.  

“We congratulate Sheik Amir for receiving this Award and indeed pray that God continues blessing his efforts and the work done by all AACC male champions for Gender Justice, and everyone working for a world without GBV.” Noted Rev. Dr. Lydia Mwaniki, AACC Director for Gender and Women.  

In the Photo [Sheik Amir Receiving the Award. Courtesy - PALGNET]