Women demand equal gender inclusion in next Malawi Cabinet
Women Legal Resources Centre (WOLREC) is demanding that the next Head of State that would be voted in after Tuesday’s fresh presidential election should implement to the book that there is equal representation of women in the cabinet as well as other national positions of influence.
Executive Director Maggie Kathewera Banda said this on the eve of the poll, saying this is not a request but a demand as this is contained in the Gender Equality Act of Malawi’s Constitution.
“We demand that the next president, whether it be Lazarus Chakwera or Peter Mutharika should be responsive to women issues as contained in the Gender Equality Act that all appointments in the Cabinet and other positions of influence, such as board of directors in parastatals, are equal gender inclusive,” said Kathewera Banda in an interview with Nyasa Times.
“The Gender Equality Act says that in appointing all positions of influence, there must be not less than 40 percent of one gender and and not more that 60 percent of the other and must be based on merit.
“We have very capable women out there who can lead this country better than some of the men that are appointed in the positions of influence.
“We have beautiful laws in Malawi but unfortunately our leaders choose to ignore them and we are demanding that the next president to be elected should make sure that our laws are put into practice without any prejudice.”
Formed in 2006, WOLREC offers legal, economic and social justice to women and girls and operates in 15 districts of the country.
On top of the 50/50 gender inclusion all appointments in the positions of influence, WOLREC is also demanding that the government must assure the nation that women are safe and that all gender-based cases that have not seen any conclusion of, must be reopened and investigated to bring to book all culprits.
Kathewera Banda gave an example of the women who were allegedly raped by police officers as well as the woman in Mangochi who was undressed simply for wearing a UTM Party regalia before the 2019 tripartite elections.
“We demand a leader who can condemn and bring to book any perpetrator of gender-based violence whether that culprit belongs to the president’s party.
“We need to end all gender-based violence and the nation expects the President to make sure everyone is safe from any form of abuse.”
She also demands that the next president should make sure that he should provide good public service in health, education, agriculture, portable water and other essential services.
“People who visit public hospitals most are women but the system is not favoring them at all and we demand that this sector must be revitalized.
“About 70 percent of the labour force in agriculture are women but they do not have access to modern farming methods.
“When women are empowered — when their lives are better and are part of the economic value chain — then the country can develop.
“Otherwise we shall continue sliding backwards in as far as women’s economic empowerment is concerned,” she said.
WOLREC offers a diverse range of services for women that include providing free legal services, capacity building in terms of providing loans and how to successfully carry out their various businesses.
It also does research on women advocacy in order to uphold and promote women rights and empowerment.
These issues are delivered to the remotest parts WOLREC operates in through radio programmes, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and will soon launch a quarterly newsletter.
It has offices in Blantyre, Zomba, Balaka, Salima, Lilongwe, Rumphi, Neno and Nsanje.
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Shupiti zopanda mcheer.e …go and work…After all u r only 30 percent by population and u need 50 percent…kodi chimakhala chili chamba?
This is a very good advocacy pitch in defence of women and our laws. Malawi should be an example in the Region. Congratulations WOLREC for pointing this out without fear… we need such fearless women in Malawi. Women have mostly suffered at the hands of men in our country.
She shud very useless
Mwayambapo kufuna kunsokoneza Chakwera sopano. Kagwereni uko ndi jane ansah ndi seodi wanuyo! Kumangofuna maudindo ntchito simutha. Shupiti!
If you took part and risked your lives in the political activities that were very often risky, there is no need to demand. They will select you in the cabinet. There is no way this 50/50 demand can be met by just giving the positions of this nature to those who were passive in the straggle.
When it comes to politics,
Jane Ansah for president! Very capable.
No quota n no favouring women. ….. position should be given on merit even if it means more women tn men
If you wish to be relevant, try not to be selective on the issues. A lot has happened in this country but we never heard you say anything. And now because it’s about positions, you suddenly become loud. All the same, I agree that we need a good female representation in the forthcoming government. After all, amuna ambiriwa ndi mbava compared to women😂😂🤣🤣
Thriving on DPPs stolen money and “toxic” loans..u may want to hold on until you are cleared. Don’t let the public get caught up in this mess. Malawi stock exchange this is a business risks don’t let these Mafias list, be smart about it or else the long arm of the law will catch up.