The activists, Emma Kaliya and Maggie Kathewera Banda, have applauded President Chakwera for the new cabinet, saying he has walked his talk to put as many women as possible in his cabinet.

The new cabinet has 44 percent women representation.

Kaliya, who is Executive Director for Malawi Human Rights Resource Centre, says the number means women will have good representation in the highest policy-making body of government, but she has asked the appointed female ministers to deliver in order to gain public trust.

“We are hoping that next time we will reach 50 percent. However, let me mention that it is not just about numbers, it is also about how they would demonstrate their capacity,” she said.

She added, “We want both men and women to be put in cabinet to demonstrate that they are doing the correct thing for Malawians.”

On the other hand, Kathewera Banda, Executive Director for Women’s Legal Resources Centre, suggests the need to accord women key ministerial positions, observing that most key positions are held by men.

“A change would also be in the kind of ministries being given to women. In the previous cabinet, what we saw was that some key positions had been entrusted in the hands of women, which we do not see in the current cabinet,” she said.

For instance, she says the ministry of homeland security which was headed by a woman [Jean Sendeza] in the previous cabinet has been allocated to Dr. Ken Zikhale Ng’oma.

The new cabinet has been reduced to 25 members from the previous 33.

Some notable female ministers are Nancy Tembo for Foreign Affairs, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda for Health, Abida Mia for Water and Sanitation, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima for Education, Vera Kamtukule for Tourim and Jean Sendeza for Gender.