Women missing in politics

 Following the tragic plane crash that killed Vice-President Saulos Chilima and eight others, the nation was filled with grief and contenders for his seat started strategically positioning themselves for a possible takeover even before the flowers on his grave had wilted.

This highlights how swiftly politics moves.

Some are commodifying his death, others abandoned their association with him and even those who never embraced Chilima in life seek to walk in his shoes.

What a sobering reminder of the relentless speed of political manouvering.

Glaringly, women are not being namedropped as serious contenders for Malawi’s presidency.

Could this be the moment for a woman to rise?

Yet, historical precedents give me little hope. Although an Afrobarometer survey shows a resounding 72 percent of Africans supporting equal political opportunities for women, women presidents like Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Mauritius’ Ameenah Gurib-Fakim are rarely elected by popular vote.

Most of Africa’s female leaders have ascended during crises or transitions 

 as placeholders, not elected officials.

Malawi’s Joyce Banda, Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan and the Central African Republic’s Catherine Panza rose to the helm following their predecessors’ deaths.

Yet, electing Malawi’s first female president through the ballot is more than breaking a historical trend. It is a necessary step towards genuine gender equality, a pragmatic choice that could catalyse transformation across various sectors.

From my observation, women in leadership roles demonstrate more effective governance, inclusive policymaking and sustainable development.

With five male presidents since 1964, Malawi continues to grapple with deep-seated socioeconomic challenges.

The 2024 Women’s Political Participation Barometer highlights a sluggish progress in women’s representatio, a mere one percentage point increase from 2021 to 2024.

At this pace, achieving

 gender parity in African Parliaments would take centuries.

Reserved seats and gender quotas have spurred progress in countries such as Rwanda, South Africa 

 Senegal and Ethiopia.

A targeted approach might be necessary. In a 2023 Time article, Melinda Gates noted that women govern differently, often fostering collaboration across party lines and addressing long-neglected issues.

History is replete with examples of women excelling in top offices. Sirleaf adeptly managed the Ebola crisis in Liberia. Under Angela Merkel, Germany enjoyed robust economic growth. Finland’s Sanna Marin is celebrated for her transparent and

 accountable administration.

A woman president in Malawi could enhance anti-corruption measures and restore public trust in government.

As Malawi approaches the 2025 elections, which political party will champion female leadership?

The entrenched patriarchy within party structures often blocks women’s participation, as evident in the recent conventions both the Malawi Congress Party and the Democratic Progressive Party pre-selected male candidates, sidelining any possibility of female leadership.

One may argue that women did not stand up to contest for the presidency at both conventions.

True. Where are the women?

Women leaders worldwide have proven their mettle, emphasising transparency, accountability and equitable development, qualities that could significantly benefit the country.

The World Bank’s latest poverty assessment underscores the gravity of Malawi’s persistent state of 

 crises, the country’s gross domestic product per capita is expected to shrink in 2024 due to slow economic growth relative to its population increase and the overall economy is projected to grow by only two percent, ranking amongst the lowest globally.

The social indicators are dire, yet the potential for a turnaround under a female presidency is immense.

As the remaining political parties prepare for their conventions and the intense battle of party primaries looms across our nation, I urge every Malawian to envision the transformative power of female leadership.

This is not merely about offering women a seat at the table. It is about embracing a proven pathway to better governance and improved outcomes for all Malawians.

Let us dare to make history and elect the highest percentage of women as councillors, members of Parliament and dare I say it, a female president.

Women leaders that can usher in a new era of inclusive growth, better healthcare, world-class education and stronger social cohesion.

Let us make the next election about more than just survival. Let us make it about thriving. A better Malawi is possible.