Salima Residents Call for More Women in Malawi's Leadership Ahead of 2025 Elections
SALIMA, Malawi - As the country prepares for the 2025 general elections, residents in Salima District have raised strong support for women to take on big positions, arguing that women's leadership could drive meaningful progress for the country, writes Fegson Phabuli.
Speaking in a series of interviews, many community members emphasised the need for more women and young women in political and decision-making spaces, pointing out that these voices have long been silenced despite their potential contributions to national development.
"We have had men in power for so many years, but there's a lot more that can be achieved when women are at the forefront of development initiatives," said Chimwemwe Hara from Mtukulamwendo village, Traditional Authority Kalonga.
"Women often focus on issues like healthcare, education, and family welfare that are issues that directly affect the lives of everyday citizens."
Similarly, Angelique Mseteka, from Katambo village, Traditional Authority Salima, expressed her frustration with the limited opportunities women have had in politics.
"For too long, women have been sidelined in favour of male leaders, and it's unfair. We're capable, and we have ideas on how to improve our communities," she stated.
Nasreen Khonat, an aspiring candidate for Salama Central East, said incorporating women into prominent positions of government not only encourages equity and justice but also provides for a more effective and extensive governance that favours society as a whole.
"These qualities are crucial for bridging divides, establishing unanimity, and settling disputes, which are all essential skills in leadership and government," she said.
These calls for change come in the wake of a project led by Oxfam and the Women's Legal Resources Centre (Worlec), with funding from the European Union, that aims to promote gender-transformative and inclusive political participation for women, youth, and marginalized groups across Malawi.