As the September 16 General Election approaches, women’s participation remains a key issue to ensuring inclusive and representative leadership. The Non-Governmental Organisation-Gender Coordination Network (NGO-GCN), supported by UN Women, is implementing a project called Political Empowerment of Women in Malawi to prop up women aspirants at both national and district levels. Our reporter WANTWA MWAMLIMA, caught up with the NGO-GCN chairperson MAGGIE KATHEWERA BANDA who shares more insights about the project.
progress made so far. | Nation
Q. Tell us more about this project NGO-GCN is implementing?
A. Let me start by briefly explaining what NGO-GCN is all about. It is a network comprising 63 local civil society organisations (CSOs) focused on gender equality and women’s empowerment. One of our key initiatives has been the 50/50 Campaign, which was conceptualised and brought to life through this network. As we prepare for the upcoming elections, we are implementing this project called Political Empowerment of Women in Malawi, supported by UN Women. The project operates at both national and district levels, and it seeks to support women who are aspiring for political positions, such as members of Parliament or councillors.
Q. What are the project’s key components?
A. It consists of several components. Firstly, we will collaborate with traditional leaders, who play a crucial role in mobilising their communities. We will also engage area and village development committees because democracy and development are closely linked. These committees need to understand the importance of supporting female candidates. Another component involves training women to fully understand the roles of the positions they are vying for, the electoral process, and how to run effective campaigns as the elections approach. Additionally, we will launch national media campaigns to build and drum up support for women candidates. Finally, we will work with voters directly, encouraging them to support female aspirants so that they also understand why it is important to put women in political positions.
Q. What new approach will you take considering that similar projects have been implemented before?
A. Ever since campaigns were launched progress has been made, and more women are now participating in politics due to continuous a d v o c a c y t h r o u g h the 50/50 Ca m pa i g n . However, this time, we are taking a different a p p r o a c h by actively c h a l l e n g i n g social norms that hinder women from running for leadership positions. T h i s is why we want to work closely with local leaders and different communi t y committees . Another key strategy is working closely with the media to amplify support for female candidates.
Q. Is Malawi making progress in increasing women’s political participation?
A. Yes, there has been progress. In 1994, Parliament had only around 15 women members of Parliament (MPs), or fewer. Today, that number has risen to 40. While this is an improvement, it still falls short of our goal, which is why we continue pushing for the 50/50 Campaign.
Q. What challenges has the 50/50 Campaign faced?
A. One major challenge is the lack of a legal requirement for political parties to field female candidates. Currently, we rely on the political will of party leaders to support female candidates. Unlike the Malawi Gender Equality Act, which mandates gender balance in public appointments, it does not apply to elective positions such as MPs or councillors. Until a law is enacted requiring political parties to field women candidates, more advocacy and activities will be needed to increase female representation in Parliament and local government. That said, we acknowledge the progress made so far, even though it is not yet at the desired level.
Q. What efforts have been made in the past to improve women’s political participation?
A. Before the 2019 elections, a proposed Electoral Bill included a quota system for women. Unfortunately, it was rejected in Parliament. However, our network intends to revisit this initiative. We are also exploring other legal avenues, such as integrating gender quotas into the Electoral Bill and Malawi Gender Equality Act, as well as encouraging political parties to take concrete steps in ensuring women’s participation in elections.
Q. What gaps does the current project aim to address?
A. One key gap is the capacity of women aspiring for political positions. We need to ensure that they are adequately prepared to effectively participate in elections. As such we will carry out capacity building training with the aspirants in the targeted areas. Another gap is public awareness, especially with the voters themselves because many people do not fully understand the importance of voting for women into political positions. A healthy democracy cannot exist if a significant portion of society is excluded from leadership, and development must be shaped by the contributions of both men and women.
Q. What advice do you have for women aspiring for political office?
A. Women interested in contesting the elections should take that bold step. They should know that there is support available from organizations like ours and from the government. Their voices matter in our democracy. Women’s participation in leadership is crucial for inclusive decision-making, leading to policies and developments that address the needs of both men and women.
