Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Malawi Voice
Published on 2024-03-08 18:51:06
By Thumbiko Nyirongo, Contributor
The Centre for Solution Journalist in Malawi (CSJ), a non-profit human rights organisation, is urging women in the country to join the 2025 presidential race, emphasizing that the race is not reserved for men only. This call was made on Friday as Malawi observed International Women’s Day under the theme ‘Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress’.
According to a statement read at Chilembwe Lodge in Blantyre, CSJ stated, “sixty years after the attainment of independence, there is no reason why women should shun the presidential race.” The organization highlighted the significance of this year’s theme as it precedes the upcoming elections, providing an opportunity to shape the future of leadership and promote gender equality.
The statement also recognized the progress made in empowering women in various areas while acknowledging the ongoing challenges. CSJ encouraged women of substance to consider running for the state presidency in the 2025 elections. CSJ’s Board Chairperson Josephine Chinele and Program Manager Penelope Paliani Kamanga co-signed the statement.
Furthermore, CSJ called on authorities to effectively implement the Gender Equality Act, which promotes gender equality, integration, empowerment, dignity, and opportunities for both men and women in all sectors of society. The organization emphasized the need for increased representation of women in political leadership, starting from the highest political offices to the lowest.
In 2012, Dr. Joyce Hilda Ntila of the People’s Party (PP) made history by becoming the first female president of Malawi and the second woman to lead a country in Africa. She served as the president from April 7, 2012, to May 31, 2014.
CSJ is a media development organization with a mission to promote professional solutions journalism by sharing best practices and offering solutions to social, economic, and developmental challenges facing people in Africa.
The organization’s statement reflects the importance of inclusivity and gender equality in political leadership. It calls for a shift towards a more equitable representation of women in political offices, emphasizing the need to address the existing disparities. CSJ’s advocacy for women to participate in the 2025 presidential race aims to create a more diverse and inclusive political landscape in Malawi.
The legacy of Dr. Joyce Banda’s presidency serves as a reminder of the impact women can have in positions of leadership. Her historic presidency paved the way for more women to aspire to top political positions, challenging the status quo and breaking barriers in a male-dominated field.
As Malawi prepares for the 2025 elections, CSJ’s call for women to join the presidential race is a step towards achieving greater gender equality and promoting women’s empowerment in the political sphere. It is an invitation for women of substance to step forward, seize the opportunity, and contribute to shaping the future of leadership in Malawi.
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