First Lady Monica Chakwera Unveiled as Malawi’s Child Online Protection Ambassador

 

First Lady Monica Chakwera was unveiled as Ambassador at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre

In a significant move towards ensuring the safety of Malawi's youth in the digital realm, the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has officially unveiled Her Excellency Madam Monica Chakwera as the nation's Child Online Protection (COP) Ambassador. The announcement was made during a fundraising dinner at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre, dedicated to supporting the Shaping Our Future Foundation, a charity founded by Madam Chakwera that focuses on the holistic development and education of village girls and street children.

Mrs. Bridget Chibwana, Chairperson of MACRA board, highlighted Madam Chakwera's unparalleled commitment to the well-being and future of Malawi's youth as the primary reason for her appointment. Speaking at the event, Mrs. Chibwana said, "As the First Lady of Malawi, you embody compassion, dedication, and advocacy, qualities that are indispensable in championing the cause of Child Online Protection. Your Excellency's role as a COP Ambassador signifies your readiness to leverage your platform and influence to raise awareness, advocate for policy reforms, and mobilize stakeholders towards a common goal of safeguarding our children in cyberspace."

The First Lady’s appointment aligns with the objectives of the Child Online Protection Strategy, a collaborative effort between MACRA and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a United Nations agency for Telecommunications. This strategy, developed in 2023, aims to create a safer and secure online space for Malawi’s children.

The initiative demonstrates the highest level of commitment by the government towards protecting the youth from potential online threats. Madam Chakwera's role as the COP Ambassador is pivotal in the ongoing efforts to raise awareness, advocate for policy reforms, and mobilize stakeholders for the common goal of ensuring the safety and security of Malawi's children in the digital age.

The Child Online Protection Ambassadorship is not just an honorary title but a call to action for the First Lady to utilize her influence and advocate for concrete measures that will contribute to a safer and more secure digital environment for the young generation. With this appointment, Malawi takes a significant step towards addressing the evolving challenges posed by the digital landscape and prioritizing the well-being of its youth in the online world.


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