BLANTYRE, Malawi
Centre for Solutions Journalism (CSJ), a human rights media organisation, has urged women of substance in Malawi to run for the presidency in the forthcoming 2025 general elections.
CSJ Board Chairperson Josephine Chinele said this in Blantyre on Friday during the commemoration of International Women’s Day under the theme, ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.’
“We urge women of substance to seriously consider vying for the state presidency in the forthcoming 2025 elections. Sixty years after the attainment of independence, there is no reason why women should shun the presidential race treating such as the exclusive club of men only,” said Chinele during the commemorations in Blantyre.
She said that the time was ripe for Malawi as a nation to break down barriers that hinder the advancement of women by ensuring they have a seat at the table in decision-making processes.
“There is a need to walk the talk on the Gender Equality Act, which promotes gender equality, equal integration, influence, empowerment, dignity and opportunities, for men and women in all functions of society, to prohibit and provide redress for sex discrimination, harmful practices and sexual harassment, to provide for public awareness on the promotion of gender equality, and to provide for connected matters,” she observed.
According to Chinese, Gender Equality Act implementation should not only be restricted to the civil service and statutory corporations but should also extend to political leadership.
She bemoaned that while women constitute the majority of the population, their representation in political offices remains disproportionately low, and this ought to be addressed, starting from the highest political offices to the lowest offices.
In the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights, the Centre for Solutions Journalism wants the government to make substantial investments that would assist in ending preventable maternal deaths, eliminating unmet needs for family planning, and safeguarding women and girls from gender-based violence and harmful practices.
All over the world, countries celebrate International Women Day to highlight the achievements of women across the globe and recommit to the pursuit of gender equality and women empowerment.