By Pemphero Malimba:
Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza, has announced that the government and women’s empowerment campaigners are targeting a 35 percent representation of women in Parliament and local government positions in the 2025 elections.
Sendeza made this announcement yesterday while briefing the press on the launch of the Political Empowerment of Women Strategy 2024-2030.
The launch is scheduled for today in Dedza District.
The minister expressed optimism that the new strategy will help address the challenges women face in political participation.
“With this strategy, we have tackled the obstacles that typically hinder women’s involvement in political decision-making, particularly those related to economic barriers, electoral processes and the nomination of women for political party roles,” she said.
Sendeza added that the ministry and its partners will intensify awareness campaigns to support their goal.
Country Director for Oxfam in Malawi, Lingalireni Mihowa, said they will continue to engage with various electoral stakeholders to effectively support women candidates across the country.
Mihowa also urged political parties to create a supportive environment for women so that they can thrive in their political aspirations.
“The election of women at the Malawi Congress Party convention demonstrates that our ongoing efforts with political parties are making a difference, and we hope to see other parties following suit,” she said.
The strategy focuses on six key areas, including enhancing women’s competencies and empowerment in politics.
The Ministry of Gender, Oxfam and the Women’s Legal Resources Centre will be responsible for implementing the strategy.
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