The African Union (AU) has challenged leaders of political parties in Malawi to prioritise prevention of violence against women and girls ahead of the September 16 General Election.
AU special envoy on women, peace and security Ndeye Benita Diop Diop, who is leading an 11-member AU Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department delegation, also urged parties to include more women in leadership roles rather than limiting them to being voters.
The delegation arrived in Malawi on May 12 and is here until May 17. During the visit, it is holding multi-stakeholder dialogue sessions to boost women’s political participation and curb electoral violence.
Speaking on Tuesday evening after meeting UTM Party president Dalitso Kabambe at the party’s headquarters in Area 10, Lilongwe, Diop commended the party for its gender-inclusive structures.
She said: “The conversations were very informative. UTM is one of the parties with the highest number of women in leadership.
“So, we want to meet other parties and compare the participation of women at leadership level. Dr Kabambe is someone strong, willing to lead this country and promote women’s rights.”
Diop also outlined the AU’s agenda, citing a newly-adopted convention to prevent violence against women during elections.
“If women aren’t in top positions, we perpetuate the patriarchal system,” she warned.
In an interview, Kabambe, a former governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi, mentioned UTM Party’s gender-balanced framework which includes two female vice-presidents, a female treasurer general and near-equal representation in committees.
He said: “Our central committee is 50-50 balanced and the national executive committee has more female participation than male.
“At every level, region, district, constituency, we have directors of women and youth. Our structure already promotes gender balance.”
Kabambe also expressed optimism about increasing women’s parliamentary representation, citing UTM Party’s candidate list as dominated by qualified, prominent women.
However, he acknowledged systemic barriers such as violence, financial hurdles and victimisation.
Using a lion on the seat of the president as a metaphor to symbolise courage, Kabambe urged marginalised groups to fight fearlessly.
“The leather skin of a lion shows that to be in politics, you must fight like a lion. If you avoid fighting, how do you aim for leadership?” he said.
The AU delegation includes retired Justice Effie Luhombo Owuor, Kenya’s first female judge and chair of Fem-Wise-Africa, a network advancing women’s roles in conflict resolution.
