By Manasse Nyirenda

Rumphi, October 10, Mana: Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe says empowering the youth, women and people with disabilities is critical towards the attainment of Malawi 2063.

Chikulamayembe was speaking Wednesday at his headquarters at Bolero in Rumphi when he interacted with representatives of Oxfam Malawi, Women Legal Resource Centre (WOLREC) and Malawi Human Rights Resource Centre (MHRRC) who are lobbying for inclusive and participatory democracy.

He said women are more compassionate and just as thorough as men and can even do better when handling different tasks.

Chikulamayembe added that the organizations’ visit to him was in line with the 2024 Gonapamuhanya Cultural Ceremony’s theme which emphasized on empowering women and youth for development.

“Our theme for this year’s cultural ceremony was centred on a similar subject and its organizing chairperson was also a woman. Umthetho organising chairperson was also a woman (yourself Mrs Kaliya) and both of you performed excellently.

We need more women and youth in leadership positions for the country to transform. I will be sharing this message with my chiefs and others from outside Rumphi to support women, people with disabilities and young people in the upcoming General Elections,” said Chikulamayembe.

He also urged women to support each other for them to excel in politics at different levels.

Executive Director for Oxfam Malawi, Linga Mihowa said the organizations visited Chikulamayembe to request him help in lobbying for a conducive environment for women, youth and people with disabilities who are interested in running for various political offices during the elections.

She further said that the initiative is supported by European Union will also engage political parties to accommodate the interests of such groups during primary elections.

Mihowa said the organizations will provide cash transfer to support electoral monitoring, observation, mobilization of youth groups and other electoral related requirement, once such marginalised people are endorsed as candidates whether on independent or political tickets.