Women on the Rise: 2025 Elections Signal a New Era for Malawi

WOLREC hails the rise The 2025 elections are shaping up to be a turning point for women in leadership in Malawi! This week alone, we’ve seen women rise to the top:

- Dr. Jane Ansah named running mate for Professor Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)

- Melvis Mwalukuwo picked by independent candidate Adil Chilungo.

- Hon. Bertha Ndebele chosen as People’s Democratic Party (PDP) running mate.

- Memory Naveko becomes running mate for independent candidate Cosmas felix Chipojola.

- Plus, former President Dr. Joyce Banda is running for the top seat herself!

We are party to this progress. WOLREC and Oxfam in Malawi, with support from the European Union in Malawi, through the Promoting Gender Transformative and Youth Inclusive Democracy project have been on the ground pushing for women, youth, and persons with disabilities to be at the centre of political decision-making.

Through this project and with additional support from the UK Government’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) under the Pamodzi Kuthetsa Nkhanza Program WOLREC has coordinated the Women’s Manifesto Movement

“We’re finally seeing the results of relentless advocacy. Women are stepping up and being given space to lead at the highest level. This is what inclusive democracy looks like,” says Maggie Kathewera Banda, WOLREC Executive Director.

The journey isn’t over, but Malawi is on the move. Let’s keep pushing for real representation!