Principles of national policy

The State shall actively promote the welfare and development of the people of Malawi by progressively adopting and implementing policies and legislation aimed at achieving the following goals— (a) Gender Equality To obtain gender equality through— (i) full participation of women in all spheres of Malawian society on the basis of equal opportunities with men; (ii) the implementation of the principles of nondiscrimination and such other measures as may be required; and (iii) the implementation of policies to address social issues such as domestic violence, security of the person, lack of maternity benefits, economic exploitation and rights to property. [11 of 2010] (b) Nutrition To achieve adequate nutrition for all in order to promote good health and self-sufficiency. (c) Health To provide adequate health care, commensurate with the health needs of Malawian society and international standards of health care. (d) The Environment To manage the environment responsibly in order to— (i) prevent the degradation of the environment; (ii) provide a healthy living and working environment for the people of Malawi; (iii) accord full recognition to the rights of future generations by means of environmental protection and the sustainable development of natural resources; and (iv) conserve and enhance the biological diversity of Malawi. (e) Rural Life To enhance the quality of life in rural communities and to recognize rural standards of living as a key indicator of the success of Government policies. (f) Education To provide adequate resources to the education sector and devise programmes in order to— (i) eliminate illiteracy in Malawi; (ii) make primary education compulsory and free to all citizens of Malawi; (iii) offer greater access to higher learning and continuing education; and (iv) promote national goals such as unity and the elimination of political, religious, racial and ethnic intolerance. (g) Persons with Disabilities To enhance the dignity and quality of life of persons with disabilities by providing— (i) adequate and suitable access to public places; (ii) fair opportunities in employment; and (iii) the fullest possible participation in all spheres of Malawian society. [11 of 2010] (h) Children To encourage and promote conditions conducive to the full development of healthy, productive and responsible members of society. (i) The Family To recognize and protect the family as a fundamental and vital social unit. (j) The Elderly To respect and support the elderly through the provision of community services and to encourage participation in the life of the community. (k) International Relations To govern in accordance with the law of nations and the rule of law and actively support the further development thereof in regional and international affairs. [11 of 2010] (l) Peaceful Settlement of Disputes To strive to adopt mechanisms by which differences are settled through negotiation, good offices, mediation, conciliation and arbitration. (m) Administration of Justice To promote law and order and respect for society through civic education, by honest practices in Government, adequate resourcing, and the humane application and enforcement of laws and policing standards. (n) Economic Management To achieve a sensible balance between the creation and distribution of wealth through the nurturing of a market economy and long-term investment in health, education, economic and social development programmes. (o) Public Trust and Good Governance To introduce measures which will guarantee accountability, transparency, personal integrity and financial probity and which by virtue of their effectiveness and visibility will strengthen confidence in public institutions. [11 of 2010]