On January 22, 2025, the NGO Gender Coordination Network (NGO GCN), represented by the board chairperson Maggie Kathewera Banda, joined Oxfam and the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) for a pivotal press briefing in Lilongwe. The event brought together leaders from civil society organizations (CSOs) and women’s directors from key political parties (MCP, DPP, UTM, and UDF), all united in addressing violence against women in the upcoming tripartite elections on September 16, 2025.

During the press briefing, key petitions were presented to the MHRC, urging the Commission to monitor and evaluate government and political party policies to promote gender equality. The Commission was also encouraged to collaborate with 50/50 campaigners and the National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) to raise awareness about gender equality, violence prevention, and response mechanisms during elections.

Violence against women in politics remains a serious barrier to democracy and gender equality. In response, political parties pledged their commitment to respect and accountability, while the MHRC reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring human rights are protected during the electoral process. The Gender Equality Act (GEA) mandates the MHRC to ensure gender quotas in political representation, aiming to enhance women’s leadership and decision-making.

Minister of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza, also made a strong call for the Malawi Police Service to take swift action against perpetrators of political violence, stressing the importance of a free and fair election process in 2025.

This event, funded by the European Union under the Promoting Gender Transformative and Youth-Inclusive Democracy project, is a vital step in ensuring that women can safely participate as candidates, voters, and leaders.

Let’s work together for a safer, more inclusive election process!