By Robert Nayeja

Nsanje, October,3 Mana: Executive Director for Kuchene Women Forum in Nsanje Mary Namalomba has challenged women in the district to demand their social, political and economic rights to ensure they actively contribute to national development.

The Director challenged the women on Wednesday at Nyamadzere Teachers Development Centre at the end of a day-long Women’s Manifest meeting organized by Women Legal Resource Center (WORLEC) and Oxfam Malawi to discuss women’s political aspirations.

Namalomba added that women need to understand their rights and demand their rights and to be heard and explained further that once women's rights are respected, they will positively and actively contribute to Malawi’s socio-economic development.

The meeting provided a platform that allowed women to discuss issues that affect their political aspirations which Kuchene Women Forum said will present to the district authority for actions that should address the challenges that deny them opportunities to fulfill their aspirations.

“This meeting helped women to bring out all issues that affect their political aspirations. The concerns will be presented to those in authority,” added Namalomba.

She said the meeting also helped other women to think of contesting in key political positions in the 2025 tripartite elections.

“The meeting empowered women so much and we want women to understand that they too have potential in political spheres," Kuchene Women Forum Director added.

Nsanje District Council, Chief Administrative Officer, Rotina Mlombwa said the women's meeting was crucial as it will inspire more women to aspire for key elective positions in the 2025 general election

"As a district we are not doing good in terms of women's participation in various interventions for example we only have one female ward councilor out of 10. We have two women parliamentarians out of five,” she added.

Mlombwa therefore applauded WOLREC and Oxfarm Malawi for organizing the meeting and expressed hope that the meeting will produce good results in women's participation in governance structures

The Women's Manifesto in Malawi is a collective agenda and advocacy document created by Malawian women to highlight their key demands and priorities related to gender equality, women’s rights, and political participation.

The Women’s Manifesto reflects women's vision for social, economic, and political reforms aimed at promoting gender equality.