By Donald Zimba

Lilongwe, January 22, Mana: In a rare show of unity, women leaders from various political parties and organizations came together to address the pressing issue of Violence Against Women in Elections (VAWE).

The solidarity press briefing, was held today at the Golden Peacock in Lilongwe.

The briefing which was organized by Oxfam and the Women's Legal Resources Centre (WOLREC) under the Women's Manifesto Movement, brought together stakeholders, including the Non-Governmental Organisation Gender Coordinating Network (NGO-GCN), the African Women Leadership Network, and cross-party Directorates of Women.

In her remarks, Minister of Gender Jean Sendeza, who also serves as the Director of Women for the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), emphasized the need for unity among women in politics.

“We at MCP are against the act of violence against women in politics. Every woman has a right to be respected regardless of the party she represents. Let us all hold hands to end violence that women face, especially during campaign seasons,” she stated.

Sendeza further encouraged women to lead by example and promote solidarity across political divides.

She added that as a ministry, there are several programs put in place to make sure that women's rights are protected and that the issue of violence towards women in elections is combated.

Emma Kaliya, Chairperson of the African Women's Movement, called for self-reflection among women leaders, urging them to avoid being the source of hatred towards one another.

“I have seen you hugging and embracing each other here in public; I hope it will not be a different story out there. We must change this culture of hate among ourselves,” she said, recalling the 2008 women’s march for their rights and expressing hope for a new chapter of unity.

NGO-GCN Chairperson, Maggie Kathewera Banda shed light on the increasing violence against women in Malawi, particularly in politics.

“This violence discourages aspiring women candidates and shows that adequate protection is lacking. We need the community, law enforcement, and organizations to work together to combat this menace,” she said.

The event saw participation from Directors of Women representing all major political parties in Malawi, including MCP, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the United Transformation Movement (UTM), the United Democratic Front (UDF), the People’s Party (PP), the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD), and the People’s Development Party (PDP). Together, they reaffirmed their commitment to creating a safer and more inclusive political environment for women.

The call to action was clear: violence against women in politics must end. This historic display of unity sends a powerful message to the nation and underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing gender-based violence in all its forms.