Female aspirants, People with disabilities speaks out on political participation

By Victoria Yande

Female aspirants and people with disabilities in Mzimba District says they are being sidelined and overlooked by party officials, following an interest to vie for political positions in respective parties.

People look down on us - Makhala

This was said on Tuesday, at Manyamula area in Solora ward during an interactive session organized by Women Legal Resource Centre (WORLEC) and Oxfam, with the aim of promoting women's participation in the upcoming general elections.

A 26-year-old female aspirant for the United Transformation Malawi (UTM) in Emnthuzini ward, Jacqueline Makhala commended WORLEC and Oxfam for their awareness campaign encouraging women to take on leadership roles.

"We are often marginalized in politics due to poor governance and society attitudes that discourage women from taking on leadership positions. However, with the support of these organizations, we are now empowered to participate in politics and take part on leadership roles,"said Makhala.

Chairlady of the Manyamula Women's Forum, Tionge Hara emphasized the importance of educating communities, particularly men, about the value of women's participation in politics.

"We want to show that women can play a significant role in developing our country," Hara said.

Village Head Stunio Vinkhumbu from Traditional Authority M'mbelwa noted that women's contributions are often undervalued due to cultural attitudes that restrict their involvement in politics.

"Our culture does not allow women to stand on an equal footing with men," Vinkhumbu said.

District Rehabilitation Officer for the Malawi Council for the Disability Affairs (MACODA) in Mzimba, Mary Stella Zefaniya, highlighted the challenges faced by people with disabilities in politics.

"Many people with disabilities are excluded from politics due to negative attitudes and a lack of education," Zefaniya said.

Let us support people with disabilities - Zefaniya

District Programs Officer for Nation Initiative Civic Education (NICE), Aaron Luhanga, emphasized the importance of inclusivity in politics adding that this program is crucial in promoting the involvement of women and people with disabilities in politics.