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Chakwera wants 50:50 Parliament

President Lazarus Chakwera has committed to champion the election of at least 50 percent women in the 193-seat Parliament in the 2025 Tripartite Elections as part of his administration’s women empowerment drive.

Making the commitment in his keynote address on Thursday when he opened the three-day High-level Intergenerational Dialogue on Generation Equality and Women’s Leadership in Africa in Lilongwe, the President said he is committed to helping women attain leadership positions and that the targets are attainable.

Chakwera receives an award from Joyce Banda (2ndR) as Sirleaf (R) and Barbara Banda (L)

Chakwera, who is also the United Nations’ He-For-She Campaign champion, said Malawi was eight months ago chosen at a Global Gender Equality Forum to lead in promotion of feminist movements and leadership alongside Canada and The Netherlands.

He said: “As a nation, we have taken this leadership role seriously. I, myself, as a signal to the world, have demonstrated seriousness by taking some steps to end institutional gender inequalities at the highest level of government, including the appointment of women to 41 percent seats in my Cabinet, the appointment of women to head 45 percent of Malawi’s foreign missions and the appointment of women to 50 percent of offices I have filled in the Judiciary.

Banda: Men are often at an advantage

“I will do everything I can to champion the election of women to not less than half of the seats in Parliament during the next election. It can be done. This can be achieved.”

Ironically, Chakwera came under fire from gender activists for appointing few women in his maiden Cabinet in July 2020. It was noted that the Cabinet fell short of the 60:40 representation of either gender as provided in the Gender Equality Act.

He said the conference should help everyone, including himself, to raise the bar in committing to gender equality.

While acknowledging the progress made towards gender equality, the President cautioned against getting contented with the achievements, saying there is need to do more and ensure that the future is brighter.

Sirleaf: Now it’s time to bring equity

In her remarks, former Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf said women are breaking barriers in various sectors with more of them holding key positions in institutions as well as serving as heads of State.

But she said despite this progress, there are still many challenges that women face which requires them to stand up and fight for equality.

“Now it’s time to bring equity to women. Women deserve this,” said Sirleaf.

She also commended Chakwera for elevating women, but challenged him to do more, saying there is need to achieve 50 percent representation for women in all structures.

Sirleaf further commended former president Joyce Banda, one of the key speakers at the conference, for her efforts to empower women.

On her part, Banda, who served as Malawi President between 2012 and 2014, stressed the need for women to attain economic empowerment, saying it is key to ensuring that women hold political positions and other decision-making positions.

She said: “There are so many women who can make good leaders, but they are failing to do so because men are at an advantage when it comes to financial resources.”

Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Patricia Kaliati said the intergeneration dialogue will help women leaders impart leadership skills to young women to become effective leaders.

Commenting on Chakwera’s commitment to a 50:50 parliamentary representation in the next election, University of Malawi political science lecturer Mustafa Hussein said the goal is achievable with political will.

He commended the President for making the bold commitment, saying it is a step in the right direction.

Said Hussein: “But it will require the support of all political parties so that they put in place deliberate measures to have women take up the 50 percent of parliamentary seats.

“There will also be need for enabling laws to support the move. The country has to come up with laws that promote larger numbers of women in Parliament and other decision- making positions.”

This is the first time the High-Level International Dialogue on Generation Equality and Women’s Leadership in Africa is being held under the theme ‘Growing and Glowing Against All Odds’ and has brought together various influential female leaders.

Besides Banda, Sirleaf and Kaliati, other high profile dignitaries include former Central African Republic president Catherine Samba Panza, incumbent Vice-President of Liberia Jewell Taylor, former Zimbabwe vice-president Joice Mujuru, Speaker of National Assembly Catherine Gotani Hara, NGO Gender Coordination Network Chairperson Barbara Banda and Justice of Appeal Ivy Kamanga.

The gathering is also expected to provide a networking opportunity for women in business. During the conference, the first Women Trade Centre will also be unveiled in Lilongwe.

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