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The Malawi government has agreed to give chance to the civil society to champion the 50-50 representation campaign for aspiring Members of Parliament and Counsellors in the fourth coming tripartite elections in 2014.

The initiative registered a remarkable achievement during the May 2009 general elections but a decision by the Democratic Progressive Party led government to monopolise the programme sparked condemnation from the civil society.

The move did not amuse local gender activists who feared that the campaign will not meet its intended goals of ushering in more women into parliament regardless of their political affiliation.

“Our role this time around is to ensure that policies regarding the campaign are adhered to by all stakeholders involved”, said the Gender Minister Anita Kalinde.

She added that government is also keen to ensure that policies stipulated in the National gender policy, the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy 2 and SADC protocol on gender and development are followed in the implementation of the campaign.

The ministry has since disclosed that it has trained 21 people from NGOs and 20 from the ministry to train the electorates, female aspiring counsellors and members of parliament on the significance of gender equality in politics and all decision making positions.

Gender coordination Network GCN Chairperson Mrs. Emma Kaliya said the move will encourage more women to participate in the fourth coming tripartite elections.

“This is a welcome move, you know a lot of women will be motivated to participate in the elections because they will be given equal support regardless of their political affiliation," said Kaliya.

Through the initiative, 43 women were ushered into the August house during the May 2009 general elections.—Zodiak Online

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