Despite representing on 21 percent of the incoming 2025 Parliament, Malawi’s female lawmakers have vowed to be visible through a unified and transformative voice. With renewed confidence and a shared purpose, they are determined to push for gender responsive laws and ensure women’s lived realities shape national policies.
Returning Member of Parliament for Mangochi East Constituency, Fransca Masamba Theula said Malawians should expect a new era of female participation in Parliament when it convenes later in October 2025.
Theula expressed satisfaction with the appointment of Dr. Jane Ansah as Malawi’s Vice President, saying her leadership brings hope for policies that promote equality and national development.
“Previously, female MPs were not encouraged to speak up. This time, we are coming together with courage and solidarity. With a female Vice president, we believe we have a powerful ally who understands our challenges and will support us in championing women-centered policies,” Theula said.
Ntcheu Dzonzi Vai legislator Dyless Moses Mbengo and Kadijah Chunga Kamphuno of Lilongwe Central shared the same enthusiasm, stressing that their strength lies in unity not numbers.
“We may be few but not powerless. Currently, I may not be conversant with all the Bills relating to women’s issues, but I’m determined to support every Bill that amplifies the voice of Malawian women from rural farmers to young mother,” Mbengo said.
Former Chairperson of the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus, Roseby Gadama emphasized the need for continuous training and capacity building to strengthen women’s participation in national decision-making.
“Women are good at understanding parliamentary rules and analysing issues deeply, which makes them effective in pushing for gender-responsive laws,” she said.
Zomba Malosa MP, Grace Kwelepeta echoed the same call, highlighting her plan to champion legislation that protects women’s rights.
“I plan to bring a Bill that criminalizes men who abandon women after childbirth. This will help reduce the number of unsupported single mothers, and I call on male colleagues to join us in passing such essential laws,” Kwelepeta said.
To support MPs particularly women in using research and data to advance gender equality and inclusive development, Executive Director for African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) Dr Eliya Msiyaphazi Zulu urged lawmakers to prioritize data-driven approaches.
“I encourage female MPs to use data and research in advocating for gender-responsive budgets and equitable service delivery. This will not only strengthen its oversight role but also accelerate Malawi’s journey towards inclusive and sustainable development,” Dr.Zulu said.
In her remarks, United Nations Malawi Representative, Rebecca Ada Donto commended Malawi’s commitment to inclusive leadership but bemoaned the continued underrepresentation of women in Parliament.
“At 2 percent, Malawi still trails behind the Southern African Average of 31 percent female representation as outlined in the SADC Gender Protocol (2024). We must double efforts to remove cultural and structural barriers that silence women’s voices,” Donto said.
Meanwhile Deputy Clerk of Parliament, Joseph Manzi has reaffirmed the parliamentary secretariat’s support to help all legislators especially women perform effectively.
As Fatuma Ndangiza observed in the Women’s Political Participation Africa Barometer, women’s political progress in Africa remains painfully slow, rising only one point in parliament and slipping in party leadership.
