Kaliati says wives not ‘baby-making machines’ as Malawi commemorate World Population Day

Minister of Gender Patricia Kaliati said married couples should “slow down bed activities” to manage population growth in the country.

Kaliati said men should not turn wives into “baby-making machines” but rather do family planning.

She was speaking on Saturday in Salima when Malawi joined the rest of the international community in commemorating World Population Day under this year’s theme: Vulnerable Populations in Emergencies.

She also assured that Malawi government will redouble its efforts to make sure women, girls and youths’ rights are protected in emergencies.

“This administration will ensure that human rights of the vulnerable populations are respected, protected and fulfilled during emergencies,” she said.

The function was commemorated under the theme “Vulnerable Populations in Emergencies”.

United Nations Population Fund Agency (UNFPA) Representative, Violet Kakyoma said that there is need for Malawi to highlight special needs of women and adolescent girls who become more vulnerable during humanitarian disasters.

“This group faces abuse, sexual exploitation, violence and forced marriages during natural disasters. As an agency, we empower and safeguard the well-being of them and address their concerns and specific needs,” she said.

She added that they work closely with government on disaster preparedness to ensure that reproductive health is integrated into emergency responses.

So far, she said, the agency has deployed hygiene kits, obstetric and contraceptive supplies, trained personnel and other support to vulnerable populations.