By Twink Jones Gadama
The just-concluded Aford convention in Lilongwe has sent a powerful message about the party’s commitment to gender equality.
In a landmark development, 24 out of 53 National Executive Committee (NEC) positions have been filled by women, marking a significant milestone in the party’s history.
The convention, which brought together delegates from across the country, saw women taking center stage in key positions.
Catherine Makunganya was elected as Deputy President responsible for Administration, while Linda Limbe assumed the role of Secretary General.
Mercy Limbani Kaunda took the reins as Treasurer General, and Amatullah Annie Maluwa was elected National Publicity Secretary.
Other notable women elected to NEC positions include Alice Deliwe Ngoma as Director of Women, Surrey Liphava as 1st Deputy Director of Women, and Dollar Kakhongwe as 2nd Deputy Director of Women. Florence Chinganyama was elected 2nd Deputy Director of Youth, while Hasina Malunga took the role of 2nd Deputy Director of Political Affairs.
Maggie Msyali Dossi was elected Campaign Director, Ellen Kadango became National Director of Recruitment and Mobilization, and Isabel Fachi assumed the role of National Director of Students Affairs. Chimwemwe Lamba Chaula was elected Director of Social Welfare, and Triza Ganuka took the helm as Director of Diaspora.
The convention’s outcome has been hailed as a major victory for women’s empowerment and a significant step towards achieving gender parity in politics.
Aford’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity has set a precedent for other political parties in Malawi.
“We are thrilled with the outcome of the convention,” said Aford President [Name]. “The election of women to key positions demonstrates our party’s dedication to empowering women and promoting gender equality.”
The convention’s success has also been attributed to the party’s deliberate efforts to promote women’s participation.
“We made a conscious decision to encourage women to take part in the electoral process,” said [Name], Aford’s Secretary General. “The results speak for themselves.”
The remaining 41 NEC positions will be filled by the newly appointed committee in the coming weeks.
As the party looks to the future, it is clear that women will play a pivotal role in shaping Aford’s direction.
Aford’s commitment to gender equality is not limited to the NEC positions.
The party has also implemented measures to promote women’s participation at the grassroots level.
“We recognize that women are the backbone of our society,” said [Name]. “Empowering them is essential to building a stronger, more inclusive party.”
As Malawi prepares for future elections, Aford’s example serves as a beacon of hope for women’s empowerment.
The party’s dedication to gender equality has set a new standard for political parties in the country.
The Aford convention has made history by electing a record number of women to NEC positions.
This milestone achievement demonstrates the party’s unwavering commitment to gender equality and sets a precedent for other political parties in Malawi.
