Any Presidential Candidate in Malawi who will pick Jessie Kabwila or any other woman as the running mate will have the chances of winning. If opposition in Malawi is concerned, there is need to be inclusive during elections, so far,since independence, a few women have held mid-level decision-making positions within our politics, Women’s contribution to the independence struggle, the fight against one party system under Kamuzu and the MCP, has not been adequately acknowledged, although looking at the current representation in Malawi parliament, most women who have been voted in have been reserved and insensitive to gender concerns including President Joyce Banda who piggybacks on gender activism. With a little progress made in promoting women’s participation in politics and decision making, more political commitment and gender sensitization is needed across all sectors of society to promote gender equality. Preparing for the 2014 legislative and presidential elections provides a good opportunity for further advancement in this direction. The task of empowering women to play a role in politics does not, however, finish with the elections. Elected women require support in their new role. While Youth and women participation in Malawi politics continues to be limited because of opportunities, the youth who also participate in politics often remain passive supporters rather than active decision-makers. This is why the needs and the perspectives of the younger generation are not reflected in the policies and programs of the government, when we make calls for an inclusive political participation, we should always consider the seriousness of youthful voters as political players. 2014 should encourage an all out across the board tolerance of opinions from both the youth and women, the predominant mindset is that young people still need to learn and should listen to the older and more experienced members, and women cannot fit in the old boys club of political decision making, 2014 should reflect a tolerant society if we are to move Malawi forward.
Posted on: Fri, 02 Aug 2013 07:43:46 +0000