Malawi sending another bloated delegation to New York

Malawi government which faced criticism for blowing K330 million of tax payer’s money with a bloated delegation to United Nations last year is at it again, this time sending another big delegation to New York  for a UN Commission on the Status of Women  meeting at a time when millions of Malawians face poverty.

The 60th meeting of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) will take place at the UN’s headquarters from 14 to 24 March.

According to a list of people travelling as part of Malawi delegation, seen by Nyasa Times, the government is sending to United States a group of 48 to attend United Nations’ Commission on the Status of Women (CSW60)

While the country remains desperately poverty-stricken, the government is paying for 48 airline tickets, hotel rooms in the expensive New York

The delegation will be led by Minister of Gender and children Patricia Kaliati, Principal Secretary in her ministry Mary Shawa, Esmie Kasinga chief director of social support services and Peter Nsefula director of gender affairs.

Others in the delegation include: Peter Elesan, Annie Makuta, Alice Mkandawire, Fred Simwaka , Lucy Bondazi, Dina Gumulira, Mtisunge Khembo, Thoko Banda, Chimwemwe Banda, Chimwemwe Chipungu, Felix Pensulo and Pacharo Kayira.

Also in the delegation are; Robert Msuku, Mary Maulidi Khembo, Annie Mapulanga, Frieda Kayuni, Anderson Chikomola, Charles Thombozi, Shupikile Manyera, Fanny Mateyu, Kelvin Tchali. Bob Maonga, Loveness Dazimata, Mary Chinthuli, Cecilia Chazama MP and Agness Chimbiri.

Other include: Andrew Nkhoma,  Makonokaya, Senior Chief Kachindamoto, Georgina Joji a student from Luanar, Hellen Chimkwita and Gugile Banda.

The delegation has members of civil society organisation who are: Abigail Dzimazi, Emma Kaliya, Hendrina Givah, Chrispine Sibande, Wesley Chabwera, Nelly Ngwaluko, Bernadetta Chiwaya, Jean Jessie Chamveka, Loma Mtema, Victor Maulidi, Mercu Mankhambera and Chimwemwe Nkosi.

Nyasa Times understand that countries richer than Malawi are sending to New York smaller delegations  with maximum of 10 people  than Malawi.

Money spent on 48 people on New York trip could fund  life-saving medication in public hospitals.

Critics argue that bloated entrounge illustrates “irresponsibility and cruelty” to suffering of Malawians in time when life is very difficult.

Many people have called for the Mutharika government to slash its spending on luxuries like travel of officials and concentrate on improving the lives of its people.

CSW60 meeting will explore women’s empowerment and the link to sustainable development.

The Commission will also review progress since its 57th session in 2013 on the elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls; and also a third strand on an emerging theme yet to be decided.