The Women’s Manifesto Movement has hailed presidential candidates who have selected female running mates ahead of the September 16 2025 elections, describing the move as “a progressive step towards gender equality”.
Women’s Legal Resource Centre (Wolrec) executive director Maggie Kathewera Banda—a leading voice in the movement—said on Friday that the choices reflect genuine commitment to empowering women in leadership.
She said it is a significant step forward in fulfilling Malawi’s commitment to national, regional and international frameworks on gender equality, including the Gender Equality Act and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 5).
SDG 5 aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. The United Nations describes this goal as both a fundamental human right and a vital foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future.
So far, four presidential candidates that have submitted their nomination papers to Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC)—an activity that is ongoing till next Wednesday at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, have picked female running mates.
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) president Peter Mutharika picked former MEC chairperson Jane Ansah as his running mate.
Independent presidential candidate Adil Chilungo followed suit by picking Mervis Mwalikuwo as his running mate.
People’s Development Party’s (PDP) Kondwani Nankhumwa has picked Balaka West legislator Bertha Ndebele as his running mate.
Ndebele won on a DPP ticket in the 2019 Tripartite Elections.
Independent presidential candidate Cosmas Felix Chipojola has picked Memory Naveko as his running mate.
People’s Party (PP) has a female presidential candidate in former president Joyce Banda who has picked former vice-president Khumbo Kachali as her running mate.
Kathewera Banda said the decision by the presidential candidates to pick female running mates reflects an encouraging recognition of the critical role women play in shaping Malawi’s political and development agenda.
“We also commend PP for taking a progressive step in nominating Kachali as [Banda’s] running mate,” she said.
“This reversal of conventional gender roles, which often portray men as leaders and women as supporters, sends a powerful message about the capabilities and rightful place of women at the highest levels of governance.”
Kathewera Banda said the inclusive and gender-sensitive decision by the candidates is equally laudable and aligns with the core values and goals of the Women’s Manifesto Movement.
The revised 2025–2030 Women’s Manifesto Movement document integrates intersectional gender perspectives, addressing unique struggles faced by women across diverse social and economic contexts.
It serves multiple purposes such as promoting women’s rights, mobilising stakeholders to commit to tangible policy action, holding duty-bearers accountable for their commitments on women’s rights and providing a unified framework for structured advocacy and systemic reform.
Besides, it aims at ensuring inclusion and representation of marginalised groups, including persons with disabilities and older persons.
According to Kathewera Banda, the inclusion of the female running mates is more than a symbolic gesture, describing it as a strategic investment in Malawi’s future.
She stressed that electing women to decision-making positions is a proven catalyst for national development for numerous reasons.
Kathewera Banda said: “The inclusion of women in governance is strongly associated with reduced corruption and increased political stability. Women leaders often bring a collaborative and consensus-driven approach to resolving conflicts, leading to more durable peace and more transparent government.
“The presence of women in the highest offices breaks down harmful stereotypes and inspires girls and young women to become the next generation of leaders. A government that reflects the full diversity of its people is a stronger, more legitimate, and more resilient democracy.”
She, therefore, said the expectation is for the remaining presidential candidates to embrace a gender balance by picking female running mates as well as including more females in their political structures.
Meanwhile, UTM Party president Dalitso Kabambe, Anyamata, Atsikana, Azimayi’s (AAA) Kwame Bandawe and independent presidential candidate Revelend Kaliya are expected to present their nomination papers today from 9am.
The trio are expected to unveil their running mates.
The presentations put into full swing the 60-day official campaign period MEC launched on July 14 2025.
