By Zenak Matekenya

Dedza, March 22, Mana:  Women’s Legal Resources Centre (Worlec) and Oxfarm Friday trained 40 National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) volunteers from all 20 wards in the district on the prevention and mitigation of violence against women youth and people with disabilities (PWDs) in elections.

Dedza District Nice Programs Officer, Vincent Kalawa who facilitated the training said women and other disadvantaged groups continue to face discrimination towards the attainment of political leadership positions.

“Malawi 2063 talks about leaving no one behind. But to a certain extent, these disadvantaged groups are not given a chance to take part in many development activities.

“We are therefore promoting awareness to encourage them to contribute towards development by contesting either as a councillor or parliamentarian, if not, we are encouraging them to exercise their right to vote,” he said.

He urged the participants to make deliberate efforts to reach the PWDs with the messages because some platforms, such as infrastructure are not conducive for them.

“There is a lot that different stakeholders can do to make sure that the status of these people is uplifted. We urge different stakeholders to come up with different strategies to support marginalized groups of people to take up leadership positions,” he added.

A participant at the training Esther Mchekeni from Dedza Boma Constituency’s Umbwi Ward said the training was vital to help the volunteers develop strategic awareness messages for the marginalized groups.

She however lamented a threat to the civic engagement process saying some people have a negative mindset, declaring that they will not vote due to dissatisfaction with politicians’ performance. 

“We will not relent because voting is a fundamental right and crucial aspect of democratic participation,” she said.

Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace for Dedza Diocese projects officer, Horace Kasudze said demeaning remarks against women, youth and PWDs contesting in political positions is one of the violence that needs to be addressed