LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Bwaira Media Club (BMC), a Central Region based media group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) aimed at promoting women’s participation in politics.
The MoU was signed during a panel discussion held on Tuesday, June 17, where NICE Executive Director Gray Kalindekafe highlighted the pressing need to bridge the gender gap in political representation.
Kalindekafe noted that despite women comprising 52 percent of the population, they remain largely underrepresented in the political arena.
“Women continue to be sidelined in decision making spaces,through this partnership with BMC we hope to increase their visibility and influence in both parliamentary and local government structures,” he said.
He said the campaign will focus on awareness and empowerment initiatives to encourage more women to run for political office and actively engage in governance.
He added that the media can play a crucial role by advocating for women’s empowerment highlighting their achievements in various programs and increasing pressure to support female candidates for leadership positions.
He therefore emphasized the need to establish a clear political hierarchy that empowers women to effectively campaign for and secure leadership positions.
BMC General Secretary Moses Chitsulo described the MOU as a vital step towards building a more informed and engaged citizenry.
“This partnership paves the way for enhanced collaboration, especially through the use of media platforms to empower and educate the public,” Chitsulo said.
He emphasized that by leveraging the reach and influence of various media channels, the initiative seeks to promote greater awareness and participation in civic matters.
Speaking during the panel discussion, Chisomo Ngulube, Vice Chairperson of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi Chapter, emphasized the crucial role media plays in shaping political narratives.
“Women need more media exposure. We must create platforms that amplify their voices and stories,”
“calling on development partners and organizations to invest in media programs that promote women’s political engagement,”said Ngulube.
The partnership between BMC and NICE is expected to roll out a series of civic education campaigns, capacity building workshops, and media programs across the Central Region, with the ultimate goal of achieving gender equity in Malawi’s political landscape.
