As Malawi approaches the 2025 general elections, it is crucial to renew our commitment to gender equality in political representation. Ahead of the 2020 Fresh Presidential Election, the NGO Gender Coordination Network (GCN) introduced a framework to promote tangible action toward gender equality, particularly in women’s participation in elections.
The Southern African Development Community (Sadc) Gender Protocol is a key tracking tool for monitoring the implementation of the Sadc Protocol on Gender and Development, first launched at the regional level in 2019. This framework is instrumental in advancing women’s participation in decision-making. However, despite these efforts, Malawi still faces significant challenges in achieving true gender equality. Many indicators, such as employment agreements in the public sector, remain far from their intended targets, despite frequent public discourse.
Malawi’s Gender Equality Act prescribes a 60-40 ratio for leadership positions, including Cabinet appointments. However, the reality on the ground reveals that women continue to struggle to attain parity with their male counterparts. This disparity underscores the urgent need for collective action as the country nears the 2025 elections.
Despite these challenges, progress has been made. Increased access to education for girls and the enactment of laws such as the Marriage, Divorce, and Family Relations Law have laid a solid foundation for gender equality. Additionally, there is now greater awareness of the impact of gender-based violence on national development. The 50:50 Campaign has also inspired many local women to engage in politics, contest elections, and pursue leadership roles.
However, more needs to be done. Strengthening lobbying efforts and ensuring checks and balances are crucial to sustaining these gains. The 50:50 Campaign aligns with global development frameworks, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Yet, no SADC country has fully achieved 50 percent gender equality, making Malawi’s continued commitment even more vital.
It is commendable that Malawi re-launched the 50:50 Campaign in recent years, especially considering that women and girls constitute the majority of the country’s population. Supporting public awareness campaigns that promote equal representation in elected positions will be key to achieving gender balance in the 2025 Tripartite Election. Providing leadership training for female aspirants will further prepare them mentally and psychologically while enhancing their decision-making capabilities.
One of the biggest obstacles to increased female political participation remains financial constraints. Poverty and limited funding have often hindered women from actively competing in elections. To counter this, mentorship programmes and leadership training must be prioritised. Organisations dedicated to supporting women in elections should continue playing their critical role in bridging the financial gap. Without adequate financial backing, the 50:50 goal risks becoming an unfulfilled ambition.
A significant step forward would be subsidised election participation fees for women in 2025. This measure could dramatically increase the number of female candidates, fostering a more inclusive electoral process. However, a fundamental mindset shift is equally important. Societal perceptions that view women as weak or incapable leaders must change. The most formidable challenge facing the 50:50 Campaign is entrenched gender biases, which can only be dismantled through continuous advocacy and public engagement.
For Malawi to fully reap the benefits of the 50:50 Campaign, it must address both financial and societal barriers to women’s political participation. A nation that empowers its women empowers its future. Let us all commit to supporting gender equality in leadership and governance as we head into the 2025 elections.
