The NGO Gender Coordination Network (NGO-GCN) says it will equip women with necessary skills to compete in the March 30, 2021 by-elections.

Chairperson for NGO-GCN Barbra Banda made the comment when Yoneco FM online enquired on how they plan to facilitate the election of women in the by-election having noted that participation of women in the 10 November 2020 by election was not impressive.

“The agenda is to make sure that we publicize information on the election and build their capacity on how they can sell themselves to the voters.”

Banda also hinted on talks with political parties to endorse female candidates contesting as members of parliament and ward councilors.

“Women mostly shun from such contests because they are intimidated, in the past we have seen women being beaten and called all sorts of names so this is very discouraging and it needs to stop if the representation of women in politics is to go up.”

Presently, the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has opened centers in seven constituencies and two wards where by-elections will be held for purposes of voter verification and registration.

The exercise is expected to close on 7 March 2021.