Malawi Women's Forum Rallies Support for Female Political Candidates
The sensitisation meeting was funded by the international organization Just Associates (JASS).
RUMPHI, Malawi— Chikulamayembe Women Forum urged Rumphi residents Thursday to vote for female candidates in Malawi's upcoming September 16 general elections, writes Taonga Nyirenda.
The local organization's initiative aims to increase women's representation in a district with no female members of parliament or councillors.
"In the past five years, we have never had women representation at council and parliamentary level," said Dorothy Chilambe, deputy executive director of the forum.
"For a long time, men have been advocating for their agendas when they are in decision-making positions."
The sensitization meetings at Bolero targeted chiefs and women in the community, highlighting the importance of female leadership.
Atupele Mwalweni, Rumphi District Council gender officer, encouraged female candidates to develop strong manifestos addressing community needs.
"Since the 2019 elections, we did not have women who were voted as councillors and members of Parliament," Mwalweni said.
"We would want more women to take the lead in such positions in the coming elections."
Local traditional leader Group Village Headman Kasawambe expressed community readiness to support women candidates but cited financial constraints as a major obstacle.
"Women consist a good percentage of our population and I believe that their voices can be heard when they are represented by fellow women," Kasawambe said.
"The problem is that they are not economically empowered."
According to organisers, 17 women have expressed interest in contesting for councillorship and parliamentary positions in Rumphi district in the September elections.
The sensitisation meeting was funded by the international organization Just Associates (JASS).