Malawi : Five seats, but no female voice: Women with disabilities still face election hurdles

The article examines the participation of persons with disabilities in Malawi’s recent general elections, highlighting that although 78 candidates with disabilities contested parliamentary and local government seats, only five were elected. All successful candidates were men, leaving women with disabilities without representation despite their participation as candidates.

Women with disabilities faced significant barriers, including limited resources, mobility challenges, ridicule, restricted access to campaign spaces and intimidation. Candidates such as Mphamvu Miracle Kalima and Emilia Lucia Chapaheya shared their experiences of contesting as independent candidates and their determination to continue engaging in public and political life despite electoral losses.

The story underscores ongoing gender and disability disparities in political representation and calls for stronger advocacy, legal reforms and inclusive electoral practices. It references the Disability Act of 2024 and the Gender Equality Act, noting the need for deliberate measures by government, political parties and stakeholders to promote equitable participation of women with disabilities in Malawi’s democratic processes.

LINK TO PUBLISHED STORY

https://atlasmalawi.com/invisible-at-the-ballot-women-with-disabilities-face-political-exclusion/

This article, first published by Atlas Media, is part of the Media Parity Capacity Building  and republished as part of the programme series.