Women have a role to play in development—Ansah
Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson Justice Jane Ansah has stressed that women have a role to play in the development of the country.
The Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal judge was speaking during the commemoration of the 17th Anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security held in Lilongwe on Tuesday under the theme The Role of Women in Peaceful Elections.
Said Ansah: “I strongly believe that women, at whatever level of the society, have a role to play in development, peace building, conflict management and resolution, and even in security matters of the nation States, including Malawi. Women are able and have always been able.”
She further said women need to be encouraged to participate in politics as they are capable of holding positions of influence.
Said Ansah: “By participation in politics and elections, I am referring to running for the office and not to be used for advancement of political agendas of men. I would, therefore, condemn all kinds of exploitation and violence against women in the run-up to the elections.”
In her remarks, chief director in the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Chimwemwe Banda highlighted Resolution 1325 as an important tool for prevention of violations of women’s rights and support towards women’s participation in peace negotiations.
“These aspects are important in ensuring the achievement of gender equality and women empowerment. This underscores the importance of the commemoration of this landmark resolution,” Banda said.
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325) on Women, Peace and Security was adopted on October 31 2000 to support women peace negotiations, post conflict peace building, disaster, relief and recovery and strengthen the ability of United Nations to deal with problems of sexual violence in conflict affected situations.
