World Wide Wave

15 Jul 2013

Malawi: The little country that could

Africa and the Middle East

“They have to remain underground. Malawi is a very conservative country and LGBT people cannot express themselves,” says Tiseke Kasambala – Africa Advocacy Director for Human Rights Watch.

But anti-gay laws are now being challenged thanks to newly elected President Joyce Banda who talked of squashing the legislation during her electioneering campaign. However, with elections due again in 2014, the wheels of government are turning slowly as Malawi’s conservative side fights back and the game of competing politics begins.

The anti-gay laws will be a ‘sticky’ issue for her, says Ms Kasambala. “The church basically rules in this country.”

HIV prevention foundation Umunthu Foundation executive director David Odali talks about his organisations fight against HIV. The organisation’s work is based in Malawi’s rural areas with a focus on women and youth.

Mr ODali’s group is one of those responsible for the recent 75 per cent reduction in HIV infections.

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