Former president Joyce Banda has committed to embrace aspirations outlined by the Women’s Manifesto Movement to champion women’s rights and gender equality if voted into office in the September 16 General Election.
Banda made the commitment in Lilongwe yesterday after the movement presented her with a copy of the second edition of the manifesto.
The People’s Party presidential candidate welcomed the manifesto, saying its contents reflect her lifelong advocacy and leadership record.
“This country belongs to both men and women and the last time I checked, women are the majority. We cannot allow patriarchy to thrive unchecked,” Banda said. “If I return to State House, I will continue the work I started.”
She cited her previous appointments, including Malawi’s first female Chief Justice, Attorney General, Solicitor General and eight female district commissioners as proof of her commitment to gender equity.
“I have signed on to this manifesto. Let Malawians judge me by what I have done. Economic empowerment is key to unlocking women’s full participation,” said Banda.
She becomes the second presidential candidate after President Lazarus Chakwera to receive the Women’s Manifesto, which is being championed by the Women’s Manifesto Movement, a consortium of the NGO-Gender Coordination Network (NGO-GCN) and other allies.
Speaking during the event yesterday, Women’s Manifesto Movement coordinator Maggie Kathewera Banda said the updated manifesto builds on the 2019 edition and touches on 15 thematic areas that reflect emerging gender issues, systemic inequalities and women’s demands for inclusion in development and governance.
“It also focuses on areas like digital justice and peace and security, violence against women and girls, women’s leadership, women in agriculture and economic empowerment,” she said.
Among others, the document calls for policies to address intimate partner violence, gender disparities in public appointments, support for smallholder women farmers through mechanisation as well as inclusive reforms that reflect the realities of marginalised women.
Reflecting on past impact, Kathewera Banda said engagements with presidential contenders in 2019 yielded results, including improved female representation in Cabinet and senior public positions under the current administration.
Two other presidential candidates, Kondwani Nankhumwa of People’s Development Party and UTM Party’s Dalitso Kabambe, are expected to receive their copies today.
