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Director Kwengwere speaks at a two-day capacity building training for female politicians
The Office of the Ombudsman has asked women running in the September 2025 General Elections to report any forms of injustices faces in the election process.
Director of Investigations and Research, Martha Kwengwere, said this during a two- day capacity building training aimed at empowering female aspirants for the positions of Member of Parliament and Ward Councilors from the Central Region at Sunbird Capital Hotel, Lilongwe.
Kwengwere said as women embark on their journey to attaining political positions, they should be on the lookout for violations in public offices or at the hand of public officers so that they do not fall victim.
She reiterated that the Office of the Ombudsman in Malawi is committed to ensuring that the electoral process is fair, credible and adheres to legal standards.
“I encourage women to report all cases of injustice that may be occasioned in the electoral process to the Office of the Ombudsman and they will be assisted. Electoral irregularities and unfair practices bordering on Maladministration and unethical conduct fall within the Office’s mandate,” Kwengwere explained.
Director Kwengwere then shared the Constitutional Mandate of the Office of Ombudsman in access to administrative justice to the public and more especially to vulnerable groups including women.
The training centered on issues and challenges faced by female aspirants such as political violence, resource mobilisation and socio-cultural stereotypes that hinder women from vying for political positions.
Among other areas the women aspirants were drilled in issue based campaigns, media engagement, community and resource mobilization as well as skills in running successful campaigns.
Prominent female politicians who shared their experiences during the training were Hon. Patricia Kaliati, Aisha Adams Mambo, Bertha Ndebele, Esther Jolobala, Gladys Ganda, Grace Kwelepeta and Agnes Nkusankhoma.
“Staying focused and don’t get distracted while delivering a speech. Always be composed and you as you present. This ability to maintain focus and deliver a clear message is crucial for effective communication and holding successful campaign meetings,” Kaliati said.
The event was organized with financial support from the European Union in Malawi Joint Chilungamo Programme II Gender Pool Fund jointly with OXFAM and Women’s Legal Resources Centre, WOLREC.
Source: The Office of the Ombudsman, Malawi
