NGO Calls for Female Vice President in Malawi
The Gender Coordination Network acknowledged an increase in women's representation in Malawi's executive branch but said a female vice president is needed to foster greater inclusivity.
LILONGWE, Malawi — A leading non-governmental organization in Malawi is urging President Lazarus Chakwera to appoint a woman as the country's next vice president to advance gender equality in top leadership positions, writes Tionge Hara.
The Gender Coordination Network made the call in a June 19 statement as Malawi mourns the death of Vice President Saulos Chilima, who died in a plane crash on June 10 along with eight others.
"As we grieve, we must also look to the future," said Maggie Kathewera Banda, chairperson of the NGO, in the statement.
"Under sections 84(2) and 88 of the constitution, the president is required to appoint a vice president within seven days from the date the vacancy arose."
Banda said the group believes having a female vice president "would put women up in the ladder of decision-making, thereby not only shifting norms around politics but also ensure that women's voices are heard more than before."
The Gender Coordination Network acknowledged an increase in women's representation in Malawi's executive branch but said a female vice president is needed to foster greater inclusivity.
Appointing a woman as vice president "would be a critical policy directive to ensure that the 60/40 gender quota is maintained in all public appointments and recruitments," the statement said.
Chakwera is expected to make his selection soon.
The late Chilima, 51, had served as vice president since 2020 and was the running mate of Chakwera during the 2020 presidential elections.
He was being transported to a funeral when the plane went down.
Female VP, within UTM, then it's Hon Patricia Kaliati. That supportable.