WOLREC ED in series of high-level engagements in UK

With support from CARE International UK, WOLREC Executive Director Maggie Kathewera Banda is in London for a series of high-level engagements.

In commemoration of International Women's Day, CARE International UK is hosting a Week of Action from March 2–8.

The visit aims to ensure that policymakers and decision-makers in London hear directly from women’s rights organisations that are leading transformative change—highlighting the progress made, ongoing challenges, and why this progress must be protected.

Among the activities during the week, Kathewera Banda was paired with Labour Party MP Preet Kaur Gill to engage with young women from universities and the Girls’ Guide at the British Parliament. The discussions focused on inspiring and nurturing future women leaders.

She also participated in a panel discussion at a CARE International UK International Women's Day event under the theme “Protect Progress.” During the session, she spoke about how women’s rights organisations are adapting to shifts in funding and international support, what continues to give hope to women’s rights activists, and key asks directed to the UK government.

The WOLREC Executive Director also held one-on-one meetings with Labour MP Laura Kyrke-Smith and Liberal Democrat MP Marie Goldman. Their discussions centred on safeguarding the progress made in advancing the gender equality agenda.

She further attended a meeting at CARE International UK offices, where she shared WOLREC’s work and ongoing efforts to advance women’s rights in Malawi.

In addition, she participated in networking engagements where she interacted with Baroness Sugg, Baroness Royall, and Lord Jack McConnell, whose foundation is supporting WOLREC in implementing a girls’ education fund.

Kathewera Banda also attended a Womankind Worldwide event focusing on practical and feminist-informed approaches to tackling online violence.