By Wanangwa Tembo

Kasungu, August 9, Mana: Chairperson for Association of Persons with Albinism (APAM) – Kasungu Chapter, Caroline Zimkomola says beliefs against people with albinism are a major barrier to their full participation in politics.

She was speaking in Kasungu on Thursday during an elections stakeholders meeting on women's participation convened by the Catholic Centre for Justice and Peace (CCJP).

Zimkomola said there is need to remove the hindrance and has asked civic education organizations to help raise awareness on the rights of persons with albinism to demystify the myths, which have largely contributed to killings.

She said: “The mention of elections worries us because this is the period some people make evil schemes against persons with albinism resulting in abductions and deaths.

“It is for this reason that most people with albinism opt not to take part in political activities because they feel insecure even to attend political rallies.”

Zimkomola said persons with albinism have the potential to campaign, participate as voters and also contest for leadership positions, but are let down by superstitions.

“We need to seriously look at this issue because it borders on serious threats to the right to life.

“Communities on the other hand must be made aware through intensified civic education about the rights of persons with albinism so that there is a safe environment for everyone to take part in elections,” she said.

In his remarks, District Gender Officer for Kasungu, Humphrey Longwe said political structures must create a conducive room for women participation by ensuring that bottlenecks that discourage women to contest as leaders are cleared.

He said gender equality is not a favour towards women but a virtue that communities must accept and adopt as the correct way of living in a civilized world.

He said: Women’s perspectives, needs and interests must be adequately represented in decision-making processes, which ensures that policies and laws reflect the diverse experiences and challenges faced by all citizens.

“Gender-diverse leadership leads to better governance and more effective policies as women often bring different priorities and approaches to leadership which contribute to having more comprehensive policies.”

District Coordinator for CCJP, Hastings Kalima said the meeting was organized to reflect on the challenges women face in the political arena to increase the number of women in decision-making positions.

The meeting brought together members of the clergy, political and traditional leaders, civil society representatives, women groups and the media.  

In all the general elections that happened in Malawi, women have performed badly such that their numbers in both Parliament and councils have been a source of concern for the country that is striving to promote and empower women.

Only 44 of the 193 Members of Parliament in the country are women, representing 23 percent.