Provide equal opportunities, political parties advised
Parliamentary Social and Community Affairs Committee chairperson Richard Chimwendo Banda has said the 50:50 campaign can achieve its objectives if all political parties provide equal participation opportunities to women and men.
He said this on Monday in Lilongwe at a press briefing organised by Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Jean Kalilani at Masintha ground ahead of 50: 50 Campaign launch last Thursday.
Banda said few political parties are willing to have women in decision-making positions within their structures.
“Political parties are key stakeholders in this 50:50 Campaign and there is need for political will to allow women to advance their political careers. Unless parties start giving women a chance, the campaign will be a mere dream. If you analyse our political parties, you will find that their national executive committees are dominated by men,” he said.
Malawi University of Science and Technology [Must] vice-Chancellor Address Malata said academic institutions such as Must are ready to provide capacity building programmes to women aspirants.
“We can train then in public speaking, planning and articulation of issues,” she said.
50: 50 Campaign Management Agency team leader Viwemi Chavula said the initiative should target voters to change their mindset and view women as equally capable as men in terms of politics and administration.
Senior Chief Chikumbu of Mulanje and Chief Dzoole of Dowa said many chiefs in the country have embraced the 50: 50 Campaign and will support women in the 2019 Tipartite Elections. n
