Iceland avails K630m for women in politics

The Embassy of Iceland in Lilongwe and a consortium of Oxfam in Malawi and Centre for Civil Society Strengthening (CCSS) have signed a K630 million grant for the Liu la Amayi mu Ndale (Amplifying Women’s Political Voice) Project.

Speaking during the signing ceremony on Friday, Iceland head of mission Inga Petursdottir reiterated her government’s commitment to working with the country’s stakeholders in implementing policies that promote gender equality.

“We hope that with this project we can meaningfully contribute to women exercising their rights. In doing so, society as a whole may enjoy the enormous benefits that greater representation of women in politics offers,” she said.

Oxfam in Malawi country director Lingalireni Mihowa and CCSS executive director Viwemi Chavula thanked Iceland for the funding.

Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Jean Sendeza, who witnessed the event, described the project as key to enhancing women’s participation in the 2025 forthcoming Tripartite Elections in Mangochi and Nkhotakota districts.

“I am pleased that the Government of Iceland prioritises gender equality and women’s empowerment in its support to this country.

“The successful implementation of the 50-50 campaign in the 2019 elections with funding from Iceland resulted in the election of four female legislators out of 12 MPs and six female councillors in Mangochi District. This is a clear testament to the impact of Iceland’s support to Malawi,” she said.

The project will be officially launched on Thursday June 13 2024 in Mangochi.