Govt calls for women empowerment efforts
Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare has called for intensified efforts in promoting women’s participation in elections the country to achieve 50 percent women representation in the 2025 elections
Speaking on Thursday during a meeting between police and a consortium that is promoting women’s participation in elections, Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare principal gender and development officer Hannah Kisyombe said key to ensuring that women participate in elections is curbing violence against them.
She said: “Once women are intimidated, it will deter them from competing and this will lead to reduction of representation of women in Parliament, local government and also taking part in the presidential race.”
Kisyombe emphasised that the police are crucial in ensuring free, fair, and safe elections.
“Your commitment and professionalism are essential in safeguarding the rights of all voters, especially women, who are often disproportionately targeted by violence and harassment,” she said.
However, Kisyombe also said there is need to support the effectively handle political violence.
South East Region Police Commissioner Chikondi Chingadza said Malawi Police Service has strategised to curb electoral violence and ensure that women participate in the 2025 elections without fear.
She said the police will not tolerate any form of violence against women, saying violence demotivates women from participating in elections and also reduces the number of women in decision making positions.
Chingadza also called on Malawians to report to police any cases of violence.
“We are there to ensure that there isn’t that fear in women during these elections and we will try to create an environment that is free and fair for every woman who decides to take part in politics,” she said.
However, Chingadza said the police need support to effectively respond to issues.
Governance expert Moses Mkandawire said with the kind of politics that is done in Malawi, it is difficult to achieve 50:50 representation.
“Although women are in majority, they are only seen as voters and not candidates,” said Mkandawire.
The country recorded an increase in the number of female MPs from 32 in 2014 to 44 in 2019.
