Nice embarks on 50-50 campaign

National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust has quick-started the 50-50 male and female representation campaign prior to the 2019 general election.

In his presentation during an advocacy meeting attended by various political parties representatives in Mzuzu on Saturday, Nice regional officer for the North, Enock Chinkhuntha, said it is possible to achieve 50-50 representation in Parliament provided all stakeholders embraced the concept.

“Women face a lot of challenges which hamper their chances to win during elections. But we still believe that, if supported fully, they can make it and earn the 50-50 representation in Parliament,” Chinkhuntha said.

He said Nice has decided to start the campaign now “to avoid misinterpretation from male candidates”.

“If we embark on the campaign within the election period, some quarters may feel otherwise, thinking we are supporting female candidates,” Chinkhuntha said.

The meeting, attended by about 65 participants, brainstormed how, among other issues, political parties can enhance representation of women in decision-making positions at all levels.