Women leaders from seven political parties in the country met with Inspector General of Police Merlyne Yolamu in Lilongwe on Thursday to discuss the security of women in politics amidst concerns over the increasing cases of Violence Against Women in Elections (VAWE).
The meeting, organized by Oxfam and the Women’s Legal Resources Centre (WOLREC), was part of the Promoting Gender Transformative and Youth-Inclusive Democracy project, funded by the European Union.
Directors of Women from the United Democratic Front (UDF), People’s Party (PP), Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), UTM Party, Alliance for Democracy (Aford), Malawi Congress Party (MCP), and People’s Development Party (PDP) presented their concerns to the Inspector General.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Minister of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare Jean Sendeza—who also serves as MCP’s Director of Women—outlined five key areas where the police must take action:
1. Stronger Enforcement – Holding perpetrators accountable for acts of violence against women in politics.
2. Safe Political Spaces – Ensuring a secure environment for female politicians to participate freely.
3. Cybersecurity & Online Protection – Addressing online harassment and digital threats targeting women.
4. Collaboration & Partnerships – Enhancing coordination between law enforcement, civil society, and political parties.
5. Gender-Responsive Policies – Implementing policies that prioritize the safety and empowerment of women in politics.
The Directors of Women further urged the Inspector General to take decisive action on these concerns if women are to fully participate in the September 16 General Elections.
Responding to concerns raised during the meeting, Inspector General of Police Merlyne Yolamu assured women leaders that the Malawi Police Service (MPS) will not tolerate any form of violence that hinders citizens from exercising their political rights.
“We will ensure that all perpetrators of VAWE are arrested and that justice prevails. Every case of VAWE will be investigated and prosecuted. We are here to support you—whenever you have concerns, my door is always open,” she stated.
The IG further emphasized the police service’s commitment to community engagement, stating that it will continue raising awareness about the effects of VAWE and the need to protect women from electoral violence.
“We will strengthen community policing structures and train our officers and local leaders to identify early warning signs of violence,” she added.
Yolamu further expressed gratitude to Oxfam and WOLREC for organizing the meeting, commending their dedication to protecting women from electoral violence and fostering stronger collaboration between the police and political parties.
Oxfam in Malawi Country Director Lingalireni Mihowa thanked the IG for accepting the invitation despite her busy schedule.
Speaking at the engagement meeting between Cross-Party Directors of Women and the Malawi Police Service in Lilongwe, European Union Ambassador to Malawi, H.E. Rune Skinnebach, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Malawi in achieving equal representation in decision-making positions.
He said through the Promoting Gender Transformative and Youth-Inclusive Democracy project, the European Union in Malawi is investing over EUR 3.5 million to enhance gender parity and representation ahead of the 2025 elections.
“While we are primarily working in seven districts, we continue to facilitate important discussions at the national level to address broader issues affecting all districts,” he stated.
The ambassador expressed concern that gender equality remains elusive in Malawi, despite having a progressive legal framework.
“In many ways, and in theory, Malawi should be ahead of many countries. There are progressive laws such as the Gender Equality Act, as well as guiding frameworks like the Political Empowerment Strategy. Political parties also make commitments during campaign periods to protect women from abuse. However, as we have seen repeatedly, these very campaigns often become platforms where women—both candidates and supporters—face various forms of abuse,” he noted.
The EU Ambassador emphasized that gender equality is not just a moral obligation but a matter of social justice and economic progress.
“Granting equal rights to men and women makes societies stronger, more prosperous, and more secure. Gender equality is not just about principles—it is about development,” he said.
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