By Zenak Matekenya 

Dedza, August 14, Mana:  Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Jean Sendeza has urged political party secretary generals to ensure that female aspiring councilors and parliamentarians are provided with timely and right information in pursuance of their political careers.

Sendeza said this on Tuesday during the 2024 - 2030 National Strategy on Political Empowerment of Women launch in Dedza district.

The document succeeds the 2019 - 2023 strategy which failed to address the issue of political parties sidelining and underutilizing the potential of women in their parties, contributing to the low participation of women in politics.

The minister said while other players such as government and the Civil Society promote women in attaining political positions, political parties take a contrary approach.

She cited an example where a woman aspirant would be directed to a wrong venue for primary elections to ensure that she does not participate in the contest.

Delegation of the European Union to Malawi Team Leader for Social Sectors and Infrastructure Section, Michele Crimera said the European Union has a broader programme supporting the democratic process in Malawi.

“The launch today is part of a programme called Boma Lathu which has broader components that include supporting Civil Society to improve the participation of women and marginalized groups. There is also support for Civic education through the National Initiative for Civic Education and Ministry of Local Government,” he said.

Oxfam Malawi Country Director, Lingalireni Mihowa said the organization with other stakeholders invested in information gathering on what needed to be done differently to get women viable as candidates, aspirants and voters.

“The strategy gives a clue as to what is our narrative as we campaign for women and address political parties. Our database indicates that there are 400 women that are vying for parliamentary seat and also there are hundreds women vying for position of councilor,” she said.

The strategy’s specific goals are to promote successful participation of women in Presidential and Vice President elections and increase the proportion of women in Parliament and Local Government Elections to at least 35 percent in 2025 and 50 percent in 2030 Malawi General Elections.