Minister of Gender, Community Welfare and Development Jean Sendeza has asked political parties to clear the path for women, youth and other marginalised people aspiring for political positions.

She made the call on Thursday in Lilongwe during a workshop for political parties organised by Oxfam in Malawi and the Women’s Legal Resource Centre (Wolrec).

The minister said women, youths and other marginalised groups face setbacks, including name calling, sabotage and lack of resources for campaign when vying for political office.

Said Sendeza: “The major challenge is that during the primaries women impress, but sometimes male contenders hire people to demoralise the female or young contenders just because they have financial muscle.”

She said out of 193 seats in Parliament, only 40 women made it in the2019 elections, representing 22 percent when government policy provides for a 60:40 ratio in employment at all levels.

Sendeza said despite more women showing interest for local government seats in 2019, less than 100 made it for the 462 wards, as some pulled out due to pressure and intimidation.

Oxfam in Malawi and Wolrec are implementing a European Union (EU)-funded programme on Promoting Gender Transformative and Youth inclusive Democracy in Malawi in seven districts.

Oxfam in Malawi country director Lingalireni Mihowa said the programme seeks to render support to women, youths and marginalised people to promote their political ambitions.

“Our target is to have equal representation in political positions not only one gender, in this program we targeting women and youth from the age of 35 so that we can support them,” she said.

Sendeza: Accommodate them

EU Ambassador Rune Skinnebach said the programme is a good move for Malawi as it endeavours to promote women and youth into key positions in a number of fields.

“No country can dream of meaningful development if women and the youth are left out of key decision- making positions,” he said.

The workshop targeted party secretary generals, directors of elections, directors of women, directors of youth and national organising secretaries of six major political parties namely Malawi Congress Party, UTM Party, Democratic Progressive Party, United Democratic Front, People’s Party, and Alliance for Democracy.

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