By Draxon Maloya
A consortium of Civil Society Organisations and faith leaders, known as the Forum for National Unity and Dialogue (FNUD), has called on UTM President Dr. Dalitso Kabambe to consider Dr. Catherine Mzumara as his running mate in the forthcoming election.
Speaking at a press briefing in Mzuzu on Tuesday, FNUD’s coordinator, Mervin Nxumayo, highlighted that Dr. Mzumara’s credentials make her an ideal candidate for the second-highest public office.
“We believe that having female running mates would be a significant step towards achieving a more inclusive and equitable society, Dr. Mzumara is a self-starter with a vibrant governance record and reputable academic background, making her a strong contender for the position.” Nxumayo said.
Representing the faith community, Christopher Nyirenda emphasized that considering women as presidential running mates would promote gender equality and representation in leadership positions.
“This move would tap into the vast talent and expertise of Malawian women, inspire and empower young girls and women to participate in politics and decision-making processes, and demonstrate their commitment to the SDGs and Malawi’s Vision 2063,” Nyirenda said.
Gender activist Stafel Chipeta from the Young Human Rights Defenders Network added that Dr. Mzumara’s potential candidacy would be a game-changer for the Northern Region, which has historically been underrepresented.
“Dr. Catherine Mzumara is a strong female leader from the Northern Region, with a PhD from Peking University in China, who would bring impactful leadership and tangible regional representation to the table,” Chipeta said.
“After a thorough review of party manifestos, our forum comprising faith leaders and civil society leaders has reached a consensus: the UTM manifesto is a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and equitable society,” she added.
Neither Dr. Dalitso Kabambe nor Dr. Catherine Mzumara could be reached for comment, as their mobile phones remained out of reach until press time.
As Malawi prepares for its upcoming election, FNUD’s call for female running mates serves as a timely reminder of the importance of promoting gender equality and empowering women in leadership.
