NGO-Gender Coordination Network (NGO-GCN) says it will continue advocating for fair representation of women in leadership positions to achieve gender equality.
The organisation’s board chairperson Maggie Kathewera Banda said, among other priorities, they will push for the enactment of laws that introduce quotas for women, noting that countries that have made significant progress in promoting gender equality have such measures in place.
She made the remarks on Wednesday in reaction to the election of the only female councillor for Balaka Tiyanjane Chisowile as the council’s vice-chairperson.
| Haneeph Maulana
Chisowile, who benefitted from the Political Empowerment for Women in Malawi project, was among nine female aspirants who competed in the September 16 General Election in the district and the only woman who won a local government seat.
“Election of a woman as vice-chairperson is a good development for us. This is one of our goals as a network. We want more women to be in such positions of influence,” said Kathewera-Banda.
Balaka district assistant gender officer Wongani Mwale described the election of Chisowile as vice-chairperson as a step towards advancing women’s empowerment in the district.
However, he advised women aspiring to contest in the 2030 elections to begin identifying platforms within their communities where they can build their profiles.
“We urge them to consider contesting for positions in area development committees or village development committees once they are dissolved or to take up other leadership roles,” said Mwale.
On her part, Chisowile expressed gratitude for the support NGO-GCN offered her during the elections.
“I will ensure that I serve people accordingly and deliver on my manifesto. I urge my fellow women not to give up or look down on themselves,” she said.
NGO-GCN is implementing the Political Empowerment for Women in Malawi Project with support from UN Women
