By Suleman Chitera, Blantyre — July 20, 2025
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Southern Region Women’s Director, Maria Mainja, has lamented the worsening economic hardships faced by women in Malawi, blaming the five-year reign of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP)-led government for their plight.
Mainja said many women, especially those involved in small-scale businesses, have been pushed to the brink as soaring prices of essential commodities like maize and cooking oil have crippled their ability to sustain their livelihoods.
“Women have been the hardest hit. They cannot afford to restock their businesses because everything has become expensive — from basic foodstuffs to business supplies. This government has completely failed us,” Mainja charged.
She made the remarks on Saturday at a political rally held at Lonolo Ground, BCA in Blantyre. The event was organized by the DPP’s Southern Region Vice President, Joseph Mwanamvekha, alongside outspoken legislator Sameer Suleman.
Addressing hundreds of supporters, the DPP leaders rallied for unity and called on Malawians to vote the MCP out of power in the upcoming elections, accusing the ruling party of economic mismanagement and neglect of ordinary citizens’ welfare.
Mainja’s remarks add to growing criticism of the Chakwera administration, particularly over the rising cost of living and the weakening business environment that many say has worsened poverty levels across the country.
