COALITION APPEALS FOR CONCERTED EFFORTS IN  POLITICAL VIOLENCE AWARENESS

Directors of women from all political parties in Malawi have called upon NICE Trust to intensify women empowerment awareness and preach against political violence as the country is getting closer to elections.

The appeal was made recently at Golden Peacock Hotel in Lilongwe, where representatives from various women’s rights groups highlighted the alarming rate of gender-based violence, which includes violence, verbal abuse and intimidation. They emphasized that this violence not only undermines the democratic process but also perpetuate harmful gender norms and hinder women’s full and equal participation in political life.

In a statement that was issued at the briefing the coalition says various forms of violence against women in politics is a threat to democracy and to the 50-50 campaign as violence instills fear in women to actively take part in politics and affects their performance.

The CSOs namely: The NGO Gender Coordination Network, Women’s Manifesto Movement and African Women Leader’s Network have since called on various duty bearers and institutions including NICE to work in collaboration with the Human Rights Commission in promoting civic education and awareness on gender equality and raise public awareness on violence against women in elections, including prevention and response mechanisms.