Fed up with rising cases of political violence targeting women, directors of women from political parties represented in Parliament yesterday laid bare their frustrations to Police Inspector General (IG) Merlyne Yolamu.
Directors of women from Malawi Congress Party (MCP)—a key member of the disintegrated Tonse Alliance, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), United Democratic Front (UDF), People’s Party (PP), UTM Party, Alliance for Democracy (Aford) and People’s Development Party (PDP) expressed their sentiments at a meeting with the Police IG at Sunbird Capital in Lilongwe yesterday organised by Oxfam in Malawi and the Women’s Legal Resource Centre (Worlec) with support from the European Union (EU).
The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to promote women participation in politics.
In An interview yesterday after the meeting, Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Jean Sendeza, who is also MCP director of women, said police have been sluggish in dealing with cases of political violence.
Speaking on behalf of all directors of women, she said the engagement with the IG was crucial to get assurance on how the police intend to protect women from violence, especially with in the run up to the September 16 2025 General Election.
Said Sendeza: “As women, we feel that sometimes the police come in very late when incidents of violence happen. So, we are saying they should always come in quickly whether those affected are from the ruling party or opposition.”
In a telephone interview, DPP director of women Mary Navicha said it was worrisome that there is lack of accountability from the police.
She said once perpetrators are arrested, there are no updates on
progress of cases. She said it was frustrating to note that the police take “forever” to investigate cases, which does not inspire confidence.
Navicha further observed that there is selective justice with cases of violence against opposition party members met with silence or slow action by the police, who are quick to respond when the party in power falls victim.
She said: “We have had cases of violence against the DPP. You remember the issue about Hon. Brenda Saidi in Lilongwe? You remember the issue at Mbowe Filling Station where our supporters were hacked? As serious as these cases were, we did not see matching serious action.
“But you can see how promptly police reacted to the MCP issue in Ndirande, Blantyre. Police must look at violence with the same eyes. That way, we will be able to defeat political violence.”
Navicha added that each of the directors of women will take initiatives to end political violence in their parties, such as stopping provocative speeches and songs during rallies.
In response, Yolamu said the police will continue working with all stakeholders, including political parties to ensure that all citizens are protected from political violence.
Speaking in an interview after the meeting, she said all political parties are vulnerable to political violence regardless of whether they are in power or opposition.
Yolamu also said those from the governing party were more vulnerable due to perceptions that they are ‘closer’ to the police than others.
She said: “From the cases, we have noted you will see that even those from the government side are also vulnerable.
“You will see cases perpetrated against them, maybe even more vulnerable because the opposition may target them thinking they are advantaged.”
While admitting that police may not have swiftly responded to incidents of political violence, she dismissed suggestions that their failure is due to political influence.
EU Head of Delegation Rune Skinnebach said it was encouraging to note the willingness of stakeholders to deal with political violence against women.
He said the EU remains committed to supporting such efforts, adding that women participation in politics is crucial to Malawi’s development.
During both their solidarity meeting last month and on Tuesday, the directors of women cited political violence targeting women, including the injury to Saidi, the assault and undressing of MCP women in Ndirande Township, degrading remarks in a video clip against former president Joyce Banda, and social media campaign against Malawi Electoral Commission chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja.
