Leaders Pledge To Support 50:50 Campaign

Religious and Traditional leaders in Mangochi have pledged to support 50:50 campaign ahead of May 2019 tripartite elections.

They made the pledge during a panel discussion aimed at discussing whether religion or culture affect women participation in politics organized by 50:50 campaign management agency.

The faith and traditional leaders said neither religious teachings nor cultural beliefs stop women from participating in politics.

Chairperson for Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM) for Mangochi Sheikh Fahd Kamsuli, said “Islam does not prohibit women from participating in politics or from taking leading roles in the society.”

Kamsuli condemned male competitors who discourage Muslim women from participating in politics.

He challenged Muslim women to come out and claim their space in politics saying the religious leaders would give the women all the support they require.

One of influential traditional authorities in the district, Sultan Chowe, also refused to recognize culture as a barrier to women’s participation in active roles in the society.

“It is high time the society began to regard women as capable beings who could rise to any position and perform just like their male counterparts, or even better,” Sultan Chowe said.

He said out of the 34 local government seats candidates will compete for in Mangochi he would be happy to see 20 seats going to women.

Prior to the discussions, ten women aspiring candidates for Mangochi Central Wards were paraded across the constituency.

The 50:50 campaign in Mangochi is being championed by Icelandic government to the tune of 37 million kwacha.