Oxfam Says Malawi’s 2019 Election a Chance to End Poverty and Inequality

Oxfam has urged whoever wins the on going Elections to address the main drivers of inequality, improve the delivery of essential services, empower women and address lapses in public resources governance.

This has been said in a press release issued Monday.

Oxfam Country Director, Lingalireni Mihowa recalled that Oxfam’s 2015 report, A Dangerous Divide–the State of Inequality in Malawi, found that in just seven years between 2004 and 2011, the gap between the richest 10 per cent of Malawians and the poorest 40 per cent increased by almost a third.

She added that the report shone a spotlight on the growing problem of inequality.

“The report further notes that embezzlement of public funds is a significant contributory factor to increasing inequality and poverty in Malawi,” Mihowa pointed out.

On the other hand, the 2018 Oxfam report, Closing the Divide- how to reduce Inequality and Increase prosperity for All, presented a vision, road map and policy recommendations for a more inclusive, equitable and prosperous Malawi.

The report recognizes that inequality is not inevitable but the result of policy choices made by those with power.

The paper shows that to leave no one behind and get on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the government to be must commit to policies which prevent the country’s elites from appropriating the benefits of economic growth and instead ensure that benefits are redistributed to all.

Breaking out of slow and unequal growth requires the government to be, to work for citizens, especially for those living at the margins, rather than serving powerful vested interests within and outside of the country.

She said Oxfam urges the government to be to ensure that there is transparent and accountable government and institutions, and tackling corruption, replacing the political capture of policy making by a powerful minority with inclusive political and economic institutions.

The Country Director added that the area focuses on women’s economic empowerment and gender equality, with an emphasis on the social and cultural norms that act as a brake on progress.

She noted that “Policy and investment to improve livelihoods of the poorest women and men, delivering equitable growth, especially in agriculture.”

Mihowa said raising public revenues more progressively, notably from wealthy individuals, domestic and foreign businesses, to reduce inequality and redistribute income; and ensuring sufficient and quality international aid for the short and medium term.”

 
She said government should invest in universal, quality, free public services, such as health care and education that benefit everyone in society, offer social protection for the poorest and dramatically reduce inequality.

Oxfam wishes all Malawians well as they exercise their right to choosing leaders of their choice.