Source: Malawi News Agency
Minister of Gender, Children and Welfare, Clara Makungwa on Tuesday said government would support, with funding and campaign resources, every woman willing to contest in the 2014 tripartite elections. Makungwa said Malawi as a country had not done enough in improving representation of women in both politics and decision making position.

This, Makungwa said, gave less hope for the country to achieve the 50-50 campaign by 2015 as agreed by all nations across the globe. The Minister cited the forthcoming election as an opportunity for the women to rise up and be considered in politics as well as decision making positions.

"On Thursday we will be launching the gender 50-50 campaign programme which aims at encouraging women to see the elections as their only chance to rise up. We are appealing to all women in the country to register and express their interest to stand as Member of Parliament as well as Councilors," explained Makungwa assuring that government will support every woman who decides to contest in the general elections with funds and other campaign materials.

Concurring with the minister, Chairperson for non-governmental organisations Gender Coordination Network, Emma Kaliya, said women had been sidelined a lot by not being considered in decision making positions.

Kaliya promised to collaborate with other Civil Society Organisations in wooing more women to contest for various positions in the elections as part of implementing the 50-50 campaign.

"We are ready to visit every place to assist all women aspirants," she challenged.

Among other things, the 50-50 campaign will provide training for the aspiring women.

• Malawi