NGO-GCN Lobbies Political Party Delegates to Support Women Aspirants

The NGO-Gender Coordination Network (NGO-GCN) has appealed to political party delegates in Ntchisi District to support women during primary elections, in a bid to increase female representation in the September 16 General Elections.

Thandizo Mphwiyo, Chairperson for Women in Politics and Decision-Making at NGO-GCN, made the call on Tuesday during a meeting with party delegates held in Ntchisi.

“Primary elections provide a platform where candidates are chosen to represent their political parties. Since delegates are the ones who select these candidates, we felt it was important to lobby for their support towards women aspirants,” said Mphwiyo.

She emphasized the need for delegates to be oriented on new procedures governing the conduct of primaries to ensure they understand the process of candidate selection.

Mphwiyo also urged political parties to create an enabling environment that allows women to thrive within their structures.

During the meeting held at Kwezani Primary School Ground in Ntchisi Central East Constituency, one of the delegates, Rose Chapita, expressed commitment to supporting women.

“We want to see more women represented in political spaces. As delegates, we will do our part to ensure they succeed in both the primaries and general elections,” she said.

The meeting was organized with support from UN Women through the Malawi Electoral Support Project, under the Basket Fund supported by the European Union, FCDO, UK Government, Irish Embassy, and the Royal Norwegian Embassy.