National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust has equipped 40 volunteers from Dedza District with skills to prevent violence against women, youths and people with disabilities ahead of the September 16 General Election.
Dedza district Nice Trust programmes officer Vincent Kalawa, who facilitated the training, said women and other disadvantaged groups continue to face discrimination in their quest to attain political leadership positions.
He said: “The country’s long-term development strategy, Malawi 2063, talks about leaving no one behind. But to a certain extent, these disadvantaged groups are not given a chance to take part in development activities.
“We are, therefore, promoting awareness to encourage them to contribute towards development through contesting either as a councillor or parliamentarian.”
Kalawa urged the participants to make deliberate efforts to reach people with disabilities with messages.
“We urge different stakeholders to come up with different strategies to support marginalised groups to take up leadership positions,” he said.
A participant Esther Mchekeni from Dedza Boma Constituency said the training was crucial as it will help volunteers develop strategic awareness messages for marginalised groups.
She, however, bemoaned that some people were refusing to vote because they were disappointed by some politicians.
“We will not relent because voting is a fundamental right and crucial aspect of democratic participation,” said Mchekeni.
Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace for Dedza Diocese projects officer Horace Kasudze commended the training.
Women’s Legal Resource Centre and Oxfam in Malawi supported the training.
