The NGO-Gender Coordination Network (NGO-GCN) has urged journalists to write positive stories about women aspiring to contest for various positions in the September 16 General Election.
Speaking on Tuesday during a training of journalists held in Balaka District, NGO-GCN member Unandi Banda said media narratives can influence voter attitudes and strengthen democracy.
aspirants. | Haneeph Maulana
He emphasised the power of the press in reshaping societal perceptions and breaking long-standing gender biases in politics.
“We organised the training under the Political Empowerment for Women in Malawi initiative to encourage journalists to support aspiring women candidates,” said Banda.
He said the media is a key stakeholder in disseminating crucial information.
“We believe that through their work, we can motivate the electorate to support women in leadership and normalise female representation at all levels of governance,” said Banda.
One of the participants, Florence Chilanga, a journalist from Radio Lilanguka in Phalombe, described the training as timely and eye-opening.
“It has reminded us that, as journalists, we have the responsibility to help women navigate politics by ensuring our coverage portrays them as capable and deserving of political leadership positions,” she said.
Chilanga said she plans to host radio programmes featuring aspiring women candidates to raise their visibility and boost public trust in their capabilities.
NGO-GCN is implementing the initiative with support from UN Women through the Malawi Electoral Support Project, under a basket fund supported by the European Union, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Government of the United Kingdom, the Irish Embassy and the Royal Norwegian Embassy.
