European Union (EU) Ambassador Rune Skinnebach has asked Malawi’s political parties to study the Women’s Manifesto and integrate women’s rights and concerns into their policies.
The diplomat made the call in Lilongwe yesterday during the launch of the second edition of the Women’s Manifesto.
He said as Malawi prepares for the September 16 General Election, it is important that there is political will and commitment to ensure the manifesto’s effectiveness.
“This manifesto is coming out ahead of the political [party] manifestos, and we hope that the political parties will take a look at the [women’s] manifesto and see how they can integrate women’s rights in their policies, because without inclusion we cannot have democracy,” said Skinnebach.
He said there is potential for women, but stressed the need for political will to enhance support as well as promote women representation and participation at all levels.
Funded by United Kingdom (UK) Government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development (FCDO) programme What Works to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls, the second edition of the Women’s Manifesto is a collective effort led by the Women’s Legal Resource Centre (Wolrec) and Oxfam in Malawi.
The manifesto outlines key demands and priorities for Malawian women and girls and serves as a political tool to push for responsive leadership and accountability on gender issues.
In her remarks, British High Commissioner Fiona Ritchie highlighted financial constraints and cultural norms as some of the key barriers faced by women aspiring for political positions in Malawi.
She stressed the importance of creating more spaces for dialogue where women can come together, strategise and develop actionable plans.
Nelson Mandela Foundation chairperson and former South African minister of International Relations and Cooperation Grace Naledi Pandor, who was the guest of honour, urged women to use both their voices and votes to demand inclusion in governance structures, noting that the manifesto clearly outlines their demands.
“Women must be bold enough to take up spaces and positions where critical decisions are made. It is not enough to be participants, women must lead if the gender agenda is to be achieved,” she said.
Wolrec executive director Maggie Kathewera Banda said to ensure effective implementation, they will engage duty bearers on the manifesto so that they understand the demands of women.
Oxfam in Malawi country director Lingalireni Mihowa said a review of the previous manifesto reflects positive strides in some areas and further highlighted challenges and gaps to work on.
The Women’s Manifesto Movement plans to engage presidential candidates, the Judiciary, police, chiefs and women’s groups.
The event attracted different government ministries, women’s rights groups, civil society actors and development partners.
