Increasing women’s representation Malawi 2009 Bertha Sefu 50:50 Campaign, Malawi

‘ Empowering women is desirable but required to combat poverty, hunger and disease. ’ Millenium Development Goal 30% women. Southern African Development Community has 50% target for Political leadership from Malawi’s President. Motivation from shared ideals.

Training in public speaking, campaigning, approaching opinion formers, working with community Funds for publicity, caps and T shirts to get names known Training of monitors Support from Ministry of Gender, local organisations and development partners including OXFAM

Results 400 aspirants, 43 elected From 14% to 22% Sub Sahara Africa average 18.5%, South Africa has 45% 237 women in 144 constituencies male candidates in all 193

Challenges Financial Skills Poverty in communities Traditional image of women, building acceptance as leaders Male dominance in parties and with voters Monitoring of abuses necessary Intimidation and harassment Politics of personal attack History of handouts and treating

The way forward Building the capacity of women in parliament, counter prejudice, show what they can achieve. Use lessons learned for local elections. Gender equality bill draft to come to parliament.