By: Steve Chirombo

Dedza, July 4, Mana: Gender Technical Working Groups under Dedza and Salima district councils have applauded a local Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Women’s Legal Resources Centre (WOLREC) for a project dubbed promoting gender transformative and youth inclusive democracy in Malawi.

The project among others seeks to enhance inclusion of women, youth and the marginalized groups to meaningfully participate in political and decision making structures and processes in the country.

Speaking on Wednesday at the end of training for over 60 TWG members from the two councils in Mponela, District Gender Officer for Dedza, Lisnet Dauya, thanked WOLREC for bringing participants together saying it was important as TWGs consist of various stakeholders from both government and the private sector.

“There is power in unity and bringing together all stakeholders means there will be proper coordination in promoting women into active decision making.

“We hope the message will go flat-out across the districts sensitizing different stakeholders in lobbying for women participation in politics as well as decision making,” she said.

Dauya added that they are not yet there in as far as women empowerment issues are concerned but are trying through some influential leaders such as traditional and religious leaders.

She however, urged fellow women to change their mindset and start thinking positive about themselves.

On her part, Friness Samaliya, Salima district council Gender Officer, said the training has empowered them to promote women, youth and the marginalized to take part in politics saying when these people are included in decision making, they represent their fellows.

“We hope come 2025 and beyond, there will be more youth, women and the marginalized taking part in politics or involved in decision making,” she stated.

Paul Duncan, Executive Director for Salima Aids Support Organization, who is also the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Chairperson, called on government, the CSOs and the political structures to amplify the voice of allowing women to participate in political spheres.

“The capacity building training to us is quite important because it is striking all spheres whereby we understand our roles and responsibilities,” he said.

He however said most times, cultural values dictates that some positions are to be held by men, but was quick to say that women are capable of helping the country achieve certain goals like the Malawi 2063.

Taking his part, MacPherson Mwakhwawa, Director of Planning and Development (DPD) for Dedza, hailed WOLREC for the support which he said through the skills gained will likely enhance gender issues in both districts.

“Human Capital Development is one of the enablers for the Malawi 2063 but if it is not improved may likely affect its achievement. It is worrisome to see women being left behind in decision making even at council level,” he pointed out.

WOLREC is implementing the project in partnership with Oxfam with financial support from the European Union (EU) and Oxfam Ireland.