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.