African Women's Learning Mission on Malawi Elections
Press Statement
For Immediate Release
Blantyre, Malawi
May 21st, 2014
The African Women’s Observer Mission accredited under the NGO Gender Coordination Network stand in solidarity with the women of Malawi in this electoral process.
There is a revolution that has started in the world where women are taking their rightful place in positions of leadership, of which Malawi has been a part. The African continent has made commitments through the African Union Protocol on the Rights of Women and the SADC Protocol. This is complemented at the national level by the Malawi Constitution, the Gender Equality Act and the 50-50 campaign. These are irreversible and irrevocable commitments and major vehicles of promoting and ensuring women’s effective and meaningful participation in the political arena.
We congratulate the women who courageously stood in the first tripartite elections in the history of Malawi. This includes the two presidential candidates, 261 candidates for Parliament, and 419 for local ward councilors. We however note with grave concern and disappointment the impact that election anomalies may have had on female voters and candidates. Malawi must not lag behind and must seize the opportunity and momentum to propel women forward.
The African women are not discouraged by the current trend in these elections. We are even more determined in our struggle to ensure all of the above commitments become a reality across our beloved continent.
We will continue to observe the electoral processes and make appropriate statements as the results unfold.
The mission is an initiative of FEMNET (The African Women’s Development & Communication Network), NGOGCN (NGO Gender Coordination Network), SOAWR (Solidarity for African Women’s Rights Coalition) supported by UAF-A (Urgent Action Fund-Africa).
Members include:
Dr. Amany Asfour, Egypt
Dr. Phoebe Asiyo, Kenya
Dr. Gladys Mutukwa, Zambia
Emma Kaliya, Malawi
Emmie Chanika, Malawi
Hope Chigudu, Zimbabwe/Uganda
Kennedy Otina, Kenya
Mama Koite, Mali
Margaret Ali, Malawi
Nebila Abdulmelik, Ethiopia
Njoki Wainaina, Kenya
Yvette Chesson Wureh, Liberia
For more information, contact:
Patrick Maulidi
patmaulidi@gmail.com
+265888625714/+265999625714
