MANEPO 2024-2025 Strategic plan.

INTRODUCTION  

This Strategic Plan 2023-2026 emanates from the review of the previous Strategic Plan 2018-2021. The new plan provides strategic direction for Malawi Network of Older Person’s Organisations (MANEPO), its partners and other stakeholders for the next three years.  

The process for developing the strategic plan was iterative. It was facilitated by an external consultant. The consultant conducted desk review of the previous strategic plan, and annual reports of various projects which MANEPO is implementing. Primary data was collected through a consultative workshop in which MANEPO management and staff, and some board members participated. In addition, some information was also collected through interviews with the Senior Management Team at MANEPO. The draft strategic plan was reviewed by management and staff and was submitted to the board for their final endorsement and approval. 

ABOUT MANEPO 

MANEPO is a consortium of over sixty (60) civil society organisations whose aim is to help older people claim their rights, challenge discrimination and overcome poverty, so that they can lead dignified, secure, active and healthy lives in Malawi.  

Thematic Areas 

Our work with older persons and stakeholders, in this Strategic Plan, focuses on five thematic areas namely: 

Objectives 

• To fight against discrimination, witchcraft accusations and gender-based violence (GBV) towards older persons. 
• To enable older people in Malawi to claim and realize their human rights. 
• To promote socio-economic development of older persons including access to appropriate social protection schemes 
• Promote age friendly health services.  
• To advocate for mainstreaming of ageing in all national development initiatives. 
• To facilitate evidence-based advocacy to promote ageing and human rights in Malawi, through partnership and networking. 
• Promote inclusion of older people in humanitarian and climate resilience interventions 
• Facilitate exchange of information, research and evidence on ageing.  
• Facilitate capacity building among strategic partners and stakeholders 
• Ensure member organizations meet and comply with certain quality standards on ageing. 
• Facilitate resource mobilization to ensure long term sustainability. 

STRATEGIC FOUNDATIONS  

Our Conduct is shaped by the following values: 

Table 1: MANEPO’s Values and Value Statements 

CONTEXTUAL BACKGROUND 

1. Older Peoples’ Rights 

Regardless of age, sex or other aspects, all people have the same rights. Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death. Human rights cannot be taken, although sometimes they can be restricted, for instance when one has committed an offence.1 The Universal Declaration on Human Rights states that ‘all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and apply to all people of all ages.’2 Similarly, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR 1966) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR 1966) apply to every person regardless of their age.3  

In 1991 the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on Principles for Older Persons to encourage governments to incorporate independence, participation, care, self-fulfilment and dignity as principles to guide national programmes. In Africa, the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Older Persons (2016) prohibits discrimination against older persons.  The charter encourages state parties to prohibit and criminalise traditional practices targeted at older persons; and take necessary measures to eliminate harmful traditional practices including witchcraft accusations which affect the welfare, health, life and dignity of older persons, particularly older women. 

Malawi’s Policy and Legal Environment 

In Malawi, some notable laws which have a bearing on the rights of older people include the Republican Constitution (Amended 2010), the Gender Equality Act (2013), the Witchcraft Act (1911), and the yet to be enacted Older Persons Bill (2019). On the other hand, two policy documents including the National Policy on Equalisation of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities and the National Policy for Older Persons are relevant to the promotion of the rights of older persons. However, these pieces of legislation and policy documents have some serious gaps in terms of content and implementation which must be addressed if the rights of older people are to be fully protected.  

Malawi’s Republican Constitution 

Section 20 (1) of Malawi’s Republican Constitution prohibits discrimination of persons in any form and all persons are, under any law, guaranteed equal and effective protection against discrimination on grounds of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, nationality, ethnic or social origin, disability, property, birth or other status. This provision also applies to older persons 60 years4 and above.  

More specifically, section 13 (j) provides for the respect and support to the older people through the provision of community services and encouraging their participation in the community life. This is the only reference to older people in the Constitution. The provision puts emphasis on respect and participation in community life, and its coverage of violence, abuse and neglect of older people is not adequate.  

The Gender Equality Act 

The Gender Equality Act promotes gender equality, equal integration, influence, empowerment, dignity and opportunities, for men and women in the society. It prohibits and provides redress for sexual discrimination, harmful practices and sexual harassment. In prohibiting sexual discrimination, the Act in section 4 (1) states that a person shall not (a) “treat another person less favourably than he or she would treat a person of his or her sex;” or (b) “apply to the other person an exclusion, distinction or restriction which applies or would apply equally for both sexes.” Further, the Act prohibits harmful practices by stating in section 5 (1) that “a person shall not commit, engage in, subject another person to, or encourage the commission of any harmful practice.”5 However, the Act does not explicitly promote the rights of older people, and does not address intersectional discrimination by age.  

1. The Witchcraft Act 

The current Witchcraft Act assumes that witchcraft does not exist. It therefore criminalises allegations of witchcraft. It is also an offence for one to claim that they practice witchcraft. Since many older persons suffer violence, abuse and neglect due to accusations of witchcraft, the Act has a strong bearing on the protection of their rights. However, the Act is inadequate when prosecuting offenders who accuse older people of practicing witchcraft as it is very difficult in a court of law to prove witchcraft. Due to this limitation, police prosecutors use the Penal Code, which has applicable provisions such as murder, man slaughter, bodily harm and so on, such that the witchcraft angle becomes less prominent in the court.  

Accordingly, the Special Law Commission recommended that the law should recognise witchcraft as a criminal offence punishable by death or 10 years in prison, with the hope of changing how people view witchcraft and reducing the cases of mob justice against people, mainly older persons, who are killed on witchcraft allegations. Nonetheless, some Human Rights defenders including CHRR6 and CEDEP7 oppose the recommendations as very problematic and suggest that the law enforcers should strictly enforce the law that does not recognize witchcraft.8 

Policy on Equalisation of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities 

The National Policy on the Equalisation of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (2006) recognises that everyone has a right to a decent and meaningful life under the conditions of freedom, dignity, autonomy, equality and solidarity. The aim is to ensure that people with disabilities access the same fundamental rights and responsibilities as any other Malawian citizens and that they are included in all political, social and economic development initiatives in Malawi. Since older age is associated with the onset of some health issues associated with aging, this policy has a strong bearing on older persons. The policy was therefore an opportunity to highlight some critical provisions for the protection of older people, especially those with disability. However, the policy does not cover the intersectionality of age and disability, and forms of violence, abuse or neglect of older people with disability. 

National Policy for Older Persons 

Malawi adopted the National Policy for Older Persons in 2016. The policy is being implemented by the Department of Older Persons and Disability Affairs in the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare.  The government through the policy commits to improve the welfare of older people by strengthening social protection programmes, improving access to health care and provision of housing or shelter, among other things. The policy creates a referral system of committees at national, district and community levels on violence, abuse and neglect of older persons that seeks to promote and protect the rights of older persons in Malawi.  

The policy recognises that older people, owing to their physical state, should be entitled to special rights that include independence, care, participation, self-fulfilment and dignity. This provision is in line with the United Nations Principles for Older Persons as adopted by the General Assembly under resolution 46/91 of 16 December 1991. 

The policy recognises that older person’s rights continue to be violated through social, physical, psychological, sexual, and economic abuses. Thus, it seeks to implement measures to abolish all forms of discrimination, abuse, violence and exploitation based on age to ensure that older persons have access to all their fundamental rights. The major challenge affecting the impact of the policy is implementation as the referral system is barely working.  

1. The Older Persons Bill 

The government drafted the Older Persons Bill (2019) to enforce the safety and protection of the rights of older persons in Malawi. The objectives of the Act are to: (a) maintain and promote the status, well-being, safety and security of older persons;  (b) maintain and protect the rights of older persons; (c) promote community-based care in order to ensure that an older person remains in his home within the community for as long as possible; (d) regulate the registration, establishment and management of services and the establishment and management of residential facilities for older persons; and (e) prevent, eliminate and punish the abuse of older persons.  

The bill provides that an older person shall, at all times, enjoy the rights provided for under Chapter IV of the Constitution and, in particular, shall not be unfairly denied the right to: (a) participate in community life in any position appropriate to his/her interests and capabilities; (b) participate in inter-generational programmes; (c) establish and participate in structures and associations for older persons; (d) participate in activities that enhance his income-generating capacity; (e) live in an environment catering for his changing capacities; and (f) access opportunities that promote his/her optimal level of social, physical, mental and emotional well-being.  

If enacted by Parliament, the Act will operationalize the National Policy for Older Persons into a law that can be enforced. There is need to urgently enact the bill into law to oblige the state to promote the rights of older people through effective prosecution of the perpetrators of violence, abuse and neglect of older people.  

Challenges Older People are facing in Malawi 

Older people in Malawi suffer violence, abuse and neglect (VAN). VAN is an umbrella term that describes all forms of violence experienced by older people due to several factors, including but not limited to their age, gender, disability, place of origin, marital status, class or sexual orientation, or an intersection of one or more of these. It includes systemic and individual acts of violence, abuse, and neglect in public and private settings, committed by both state and non-state actors.9 The nature and extent of VAN in Malawi has been researched, and the findings are outlined in the subsequent sections.  

Physical Violence 

Many older people are subjected to physical violence from their caregivers or close family members. They are beaten, slapped or even stoned or hacked. In many cases, physical violence is perpetrated because the older person is suspected of practicing witchcraft. Superstition is a major culprit. For example, a young man was bitten by a snake and died, and some family members accused older people of causing the death. Four older people, three women and one man, were rounded up and killed through hacking and stoning. They were killed even before they were heard by a competent court of law, against the constitutional provisions of Malawi, and international instruments of human rights.10 In another illustrative case, an older man was killed by being tied to a log and dumped in a river alive at Malaza trading centre in Nkhatabay, over allegations that he “fortified” with charms his grandson aged 34.  

Economic Abuse 

Economic abuse of older people is rampant. Economic abuse refers to a situation in which an older person property or money is stolen. It includes forced evictions from land or places of residence, fraud and scams, denial of fair share of property, or financial decisions made without the consent of the older person.  For example, research revealed that older people who worked for government and are on pensions sometimes complain that they get bank deductions from their pension money without plausible explanations. Likewise, some civil society workers reported that at household level, children or grandchildren force older people to part away with their money. Sometimes they do not even force the older people, but rather steal from them through ATM card withdraws.  

Moreover, when older people are accused of practicing witchcraft, they are forced out of their homes for fear of death and leave behind their homes, land and loved ones and end up destitute.11 

Sexual Abuse 

Sexual abuse refers to forcing an older person to have sex against their will or to have any other sexual activity against their will, or mistreated sexually in any other way, or suffering sexual harassment or sexual cyber harassment.12  In July 2022, for example, a 73-year-old paralysed woman was raped by a 50-year-old man in Nkhatabay district. She was found helpless by her daughter alerted the police to apprehend the perpetrator.  

Emotional Abuse 

Many older people suffer emotionally. All forms of abuse contribute to emotional abuse. Emotional abuse refers to a situation in which an older person is made to feel put down, belittled, degraded, humiliated, or shamed; repeatedly excluded or his or her wishes ignored. It also refers to use of controlling behaviour, stalking or cyber bullying13 and similar abuses that affects the mental wellbeing of the older person. Evidence shows that emotional or psychological abuse (36%) is the most pervasive form of abuse experienced by older persons in Malawi.14  

Emotional stress can have a negative impact on just about every part of the body. It can suppress immune system, cause a heart attack, or stroke, increase risk of cancer, delay wound healing, promote inflammation, cause weight gain, impair memory, cause depression, exacerbate diabetes and worsen sexual function.15  

Neglect 

Many older people are neglected. Neglect is the intentional or unintentional denial of essential support such as food, water, shelter, clothing and so on, or assistance with daily living tasks.16 Sometimes older people are not closely monitored when they take medicine. To an extent the problem emanates from the lack of love in the family. The care givers do not wash the clothes of older people. They do not bath them. The older people wear dirty clothes. They are also denied nutritious food.  

Older people suffer neglect regardless of the intersection of factors like age and gender. However, as evidence has shown, neglect is more pronounced in advanced ages due to the intersection of factors including death of care givers, and the many challenges that older people face such as difficulties in walking, seeing or hearing.17 Due to these challenges, older people fail to ably care for themselves. 

Existing Social Protection  

In Malawi, fewer than 5 per cent of older people receive a pension. This is mainly because most people enter old age after a lifetime of poverty, having worked in informal agricultural sector where they never had the opportunity to contribute to a pension. Basic non-contributory cash transfers should therefore be the priority.18 

Malawi has a social protection programme for vulnerable people called ‘Mtukula pa Khomo.’ Which translated means ‘developing the household.’ This social cash transfer programme was supposed to benefit many older people. However, research has shown that the current beneficiary selection system which uses Proxy Means Testing ends up excluding more older people. Over 69.5 % of persons aged 60+ are household heads but only 16 % of those aged 65 years and older in the country benefit from direct cash transfers from government.19 

As a result, there have been calls to change the targeting system to categorical and this has been stated in the current Strategic Plan for Social Cash Transfer Programme. Refocusing this programme to target more older people can assist to alleviate poverty and promote the rights of older people.20  

Humanitarian Assistance 

Older people are hardest hit by disasters and other impacts of climate change due to poverty, isolation, mobility restrictions, burden of care giving, psychosocial challenges, health problems and nutrition deficiency. It is also critical to recognize the diverse situation of older people affected by the disasters and their specific risks. For instance, among the older people affected by cyclone Idai in 2019, 74 percent of them were supporting other people; 42 percent of them depended on other people for basic needs and this includes those supporting other people; 34 percent of them were living with disabilities while 35 percent of them lived alone.  

The surveyed older people expressed some psychosocial concerns around safety, access to services, exclusion as well as privacy. There were also concerns about unmet needs particularly around WASH interventions among those who suffer from incontinence. The same issues were observed during a rapid needs assessment of older people affected by Tropical Cyclone Freddy in 2023. 

In the face of prevailing gaps in the policies and procedures as well as lack of older persons’ representation in decision making forums, these concerns will keep repeating in future if not systematically tackled. This calls for action from key actors in humanitarian and climate resilience sector ranging from donors, government agencies, Civil Society Organizations, and community structures. 

ENVIRONMENTAL SCANNING 

The strategic planning task team conducted environmental scanning through SWOT Analysis. The team assessed the internal factors (Strengths and Weaknesses) that affect the achievement of desired results, and the external factors (Opportunities and Threats) which must be harnessed to promote achievement of results and mitigated against respectively. The factors are outlined below: 

Strengths 

The following are internal strengths which MANEPO can take advantage of, to effectively implement this strategic plan and achieve its desired strategic results:  

• Finance management is one of our key strengths. We have qualified and experienced personnel in our accounts section. In addition, we have a robust system of internal controls, including asset registers, finance manual, and we institute external audits.  
• Generally, our human resources are our great asset. We have a pool of highly qualified staff with diverse skills. The staff are committed, competent and with high integrity. We have a functional organogram with clear reporting lines. 
• Our organisational culture and values are guarded and conducive to attainment of the desired results. We have an internal policy environment that is guided by written policies including human resources policy, code of ethical conduct and safeguarding policy for older people protection among other regulations.  
• Our programming is integrated and sustainable. We have long term programmes that are sure to bring about lasting impact in the older people who we serve. These programmes demonstrate the trust that our major donors have on us.  
• We take a leadership approach that is ethical and transformational to ensure staff motivation and inspiration to collectively work towards attainment of our articulated vision and mission.  

Weaknesses 

The following are internal weaknesses that MANEPO should address to attain the desired strategic outcomes in this strategy. 

• One of our key weaknesses is that currently we are overdependent on our development partners for financial resources, such that any unforeseen or unintended circumstances on their part also affects our programming.   
• Our financial system also requires strengthening in terms of security by way of introduction of online transactions. We are currently using cheque-based system which might be prone to malfeasance.  
• Despite having a motivated team, we are somehow deficient on capacity building of our staff mainly because of inadequate resources. Training of our staff on project management, research and resource mobilisation should go a long way in improving performance.  
• Currently, we only have one offroad vehicle which is not adequate for field work, especially during the rainy season. Our many projects put pressure on resources, including transport. 
• Despite having social media presence, we are somehow inadequate when it comes to branding and visibility. It is therefore imperative under this strategic plan to have a robust branding and visibility programme. 

Opportunities 

The following are the opportunities available in the environment that MANEPO can seize to effectively implement this strategic plan and attain its desired outcomes.  

• One of the key political opportunities is that the government through the NGO Board recognises and supports the operations of NGOs/CSOs. The Government recognizes NGOs as development implementing partners.  
• Another opportunity relates to availability of funds from development partners. Currently, most donors prefer to fund NGOs directly and avoid direct support to government budgets due to rampant corruption among the public officials and political elites. It is therefore possible to create amicable relationships with multiple donors and expand the portfolio of projects. 
• We have good rapport with the communities that we serve as we are local and know the prevailing culture. We can therefore easily identify the entry points for ensuring the success of our programmes. 
• There is an opportunity to harness technology and connect to the world as a global village. Technology provides us the opportunity for networking and promotion of our visibility and collaboration with potential partners and donors. The modern technologies can be harnessed as platforms for communication, resource mobilization, capacity building (trainings), visibility and branding. 
• Our area of focus, promoting the dignity of older people, has the attention of the United Nations and Government, including many development partners. Attracting funding for the thematic area should be relatively easy. 
• The policy environment is conducive to our programming. Malawi has a National Policy for Older Persons. Although the policy expired, it is still in use until it is reviewed and updated.  The policy offers a broad framework for MANEPO’s programming. 

Threats 

The following are the threats or dangers in the environment, that we must be aware of and take action to address or mitigate to ensure successful implementation of this strategic plan. 

• One of the major threats that we face is political interference or lack of political support in our impact areas especially from local politicians who have their own vested interests. This threat is pronounced during campaign periods when aspiring politicians engage in mass rallies to garner support for elections. 
• On the economic front, the fluctuation of the Malawi currency (Kwacha) poses a major threat to our budgets. There is also always a possibility of fraud and cybercrimes affecting our finances. In the same vein, the NGO sector is saturated with many organisations thus there is stiff competition for funding.  
• The absence of an enabling legal framework for the promotion and protection of the rights of older persons threatens the gains obtained regarding the rights of older people and creates challenges in the sentencing of the perpetrators of violence, abuse and neglect against older people. 

STRATEGIC ISSUES AND KEY RESULTS AREAS 

MANEPO identified four key strategic issues that if addressed will promote and protect the rights of older persons in Malawi. These areas represent the thematic focus or key results areas of this plan. The issues are described below: 

Income security  

Various data on poverty levels continue to show that older men and women remain one of the most vulnerable groups where poverty is high. The reasons being lack of secure, predictable, reliable and appropriate income schemes; increase in man-made and natural disasters where older persons take long to recover from such shocks; breakdown of family support systems due to urban migration; and the high burden of care due to HIV/AIDS. 

Health and Care  

Patterns of health and disease are changing. The rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is posing a threat to many older men and women. The challenges of physical and mental frailty are also growing as longevity increases. National healthy delivery systems have, however, not responded to these changes. 

Abuse and Discrimination  

Abuse and discrimination against older men and women is a growing global and national trend. It is a violation of human rights and human dignity. However, it still remains a taboo to speak about, and is therefore not often reported by those who experience it. This results from a combination of prejudice and lack of knowledge on the changes which take place when a person ages. 

Movement for Change 

Older men and women are experiencing ageism – stereotyping, unfair treatment and discrimination based on a person’s age. In general, older people in Malawi are regarded as not being useful members of society and are left out of dialogue which directly affects them. Most older people, Civil Society Organization and the citizens do not speak on the challenges facing older people and the status quo is considered as the normal. 

Inclusive Humanitarian Action 

Ageism is a double-edged sword as it also refers to the tendency to structure society based on an assumption that everyone is young, thereby failing to respond appropriately to the real needs of older persons. This is usually the case in humanitarian and climate resilience interventions. Despite research showing that older people are at the highest risk of fatalities during disasters and are hardest hit by climate change impacts, their special needs are rarely considered in designing humanitarian and climate resilience interventions and are hardly represented during community consultations.  

THEORY OF CHANGE 

Figure 1: MANEPO’s Theory of Change 

1. STRATEGIC GOAL  

The Strategic Goal is to promote and protect the rights of older men and women and improve their quality of life.  

1. STRATEGIC OUTCOMES, STRATEGIC OUTPUTS AND STRATEGIES 

1. Key Results Area 1: Violence, Abuse and Neglect 

1. Key Results Area 2: Income security 

1. Key Results Area 3: Health and Care 

1. Key Results Area 4: Inclusive Humanitarian Action 

1. Key Results Area 5: Movement for Change 

1. Key Results Area 6: Institutional Development 

1. IMPLEMENTATION MODALITIES 

We are committed to implement the strategies as outlined below to enable effective execution of this strategic plan: 

1. Institutional Alignment 

We will align all programmes, including all departments and individual assignments, duties, and roles, to the organization’s goal and strategy to ensure we have concerted efforts in achieving our vision and mission.  

1. Adoption of Best Practices 

We understand that best practices are approaches, processes and techniques that are generally accepted as best-known solutions to identified problems. We shall endeavour to identify these best practices and share the knowledge with staff. Moreover, management shall notice, reward, or adopt the practices that promote excellence in delivery of assignments and initiatives. 

1. Budget Control 

We will ensure availability of funds for the implementation of this strategic plan. In this regard, we will administer the budget, manage budget risks and report variances accordingly. Annual audits of the accounts will form the norm for controlling the budget and instituting improvements where necessary. 

1. Strategic Plan Meetings 

We will conduct regular strategic plan implementation meetings especially with the management team. Keeping management team aware of the process of planning and implementing the strategy is vital for attainment of the desired results. On the other hand, staff will be oriented and constantly appraised on MANEPOs vision, mission and its desired outcomes. 

1. MONITORING AND EVALUATION 

We will designate a monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEAL) officer who will be responsible for day-to-day monitoring of the implementation of interventions as spelt out in this strategic plan.    The officer will be responsible for collecting monitoring data within the MANEPO offices and from the stakeholders and beneficiaries of the interventions.  Data will be collected using multiple methods and at intervals as agreed upon during the annual implementation planning. 

On the other hand, MANEPO will conduct midterm evaluation of the implementation of the strategic plan as a learning exercise for adapting interventions to changes in the operating environment.  In addition, at the end of three years, MANEPO will commission an independent end of strategic plan review to assess the effectiveness of its implementation and inform the next strategic plan.