By Patience Harawa

Karonga, February 5, Mana: The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) has called for deliberate efforts in a bid to promote active women's participation in electoral processes.

CCJP’s Gender Officer, Stella Zimba said this on Tuesday in Karonga during a loud-hailing awareness campaign on enhancing women's participation in the democratic processes.

Zimba said it’s a pity that women continue to lag behind in development activities especially in political leadership despite several efforts being made in order to change the status quo.

Zimba said: "There is a need for specific interventions that enhance women's participation in the democratic processes, especially now that the country is preparing for the general elections slated for 16 September 2025.

“Women's participation in political leadership remains critically low. We should make efforts that will not only ensure women take part in electoral activities but also vie for leadership positions.”

CCJP under the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) has been implementing a one-year project called 'Enhancing the participation of women in 2025 General Elections' funded by the United Development Programme (UNDP).

The project is aimed at enhancing the participation of women in the September 16, 2025, general elections by creating awareness of electoral processes and empowering communities to vote for women.

“Women's participation in electoral processes is crucial for our democracy. This project aims to raise awareness of the electoral processes, empower communities, and ensure inclusive women participation in the electoral processes,” Zimba said.

The District Elections Officer for Karonga Elias Nyirenda hailed CCJP for the project which he said will help to promote women's participation in the electoral processes.

Nyirenda said there is a need to remove all barriers that hinder active women's participation in political leadership