The African Union (AU) has awarded Malawi for being among the best top 12 performers in efforts to bridge gender equality gap and promote women empowerment on the continent.

Malawi Ambassador to Ethiopian Chimango Chirwa said Tuesday in an interview that the AU awarded the country on Monday at the 32nd Ordinary Session of the AU General Assembly held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from Sunday.

“Malawi received an award for its outstanding work in the category of ‘Strengthening domestic resource mobilization for development, poverty eradication and protection of women’s rights,’” Chirwa said.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Emmanuel Fabiano received the award on behalf of President Arthur Peter Mutharika from AU Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat.

“This recognition gives Malawi the encouragement to do more in this important area of socio-economic development,” Chirwa said.

The 32nd Ordinary Session of the AU General Assembly was held from Sunday to Monday.

The AU also recognised Malawi for its outstanding performance in the promotion of gender equality and women empowerment in 2017.