Increasing women’s representationMalawi 2009
Bertha Sefu 50:50 Campaign, Malawi
‘Empowering women is desirable but required to combat poverty, hunger and
disease.’ • Millenium Development
Goal 30% women. • Southern African
Development Community has 50% target for 2015.
• Political leadership from Malawi’s President.
• Motivation from shared ideals.
• Training in public speaking, campaigning, approaching opinion formers, working with community
• Funds for publicity, caps and T shirts to get names known• Training of monitors• Support from Ministry of Gender, local organisations and
development partners including OXFAM
Results
• 400 aspirants, 43 elected
• From 14% to 22% Sub Sahara Africa average 18.5%, South Africa has 45%
• 237 women in 144 constituencies male candidates in all 193
Challenges• Financial• Skills• Poverty in communities• Traditional image of
women, building acceptance as leaders
• Male dominance in parties and with voters
• Monitoring of abuses necessary
• Intimidation and harassment
• Politics of personal attack• History of handouts and
treating
The way forward
• Building the capacity of women in parliament, counter prejudice, show what they can achieve.
• Use lessons learned for local elections.• Gender equality bill draft to come to parliament.
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