WOLREC/ OXFAM in no handouts campaign in Dedza

As Malawi edges closer to the 2025 September General Elections, the Women's Legal Resources Centre (WOLREC), in collaboration with Oxfam in Malawi, is conducting a series of public awareness campaigns in Dedza District, centred around a crucial message: "Say No to Handouts."

This initiative is part of the "Promoting Gender Transformative and Youth Inclusive Democracy" project, funded by the European Union in Malawi.

The project implemented in Rumphi, Mzimba, Dedza, Salima, Machinga, Mulanje and Nsanje aims to empower women, youth, and persons with disabilities to actively participate in the electoral process.

Through these campaigns, WOLREC and OXFAM encourage the public to support marginalised groups and reject the practice of voting for candidates solely based on handouts.

The ongoing public awareness campaigns have been conducted in all 10 constituencies in Dedza, targeting markets like Bembeke, Lobi, Thethe, Kalinyeke, Chimbiya and Chitowo markets.

During these events, Patience Molosoni, WOLREC's programs officer, emphasised the importance of voting for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

"For far too long, Dedza District has been without a female Member of Parliament, which is a sad reality," Molosoni said. "Let us change this narrative and vote for women, youth, and persons with disabilities to have equal opportunities with men in democratic processes. We must move beyond voting for candidates who offer handouts and instead choose leaders who will truly represent our interests," she added.