The seventh Malawi's multiparty general election in 2025, exposed a persistent pattern of exclusion, a rooted political system that rewards money, incumbency, and male networks more than merit inclusion, frustrating women's ability to climb the ladders of power.

The ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Maputo Protocol, and the Southern African Development Community's Protocol on Gender and Development, all calling for equal participation in decision-making structures, show that the country has strong commitments only on paper, but weak on the ground.

Electoral stakeholders say the 16 September, 2025 general election was historic, not only for its competitiveness but also for its revelation about the state of women's political participation in the country.

Our reporter Franklin Mtambalika is posing a question; From the 1994 multiparty election to date, has the country's politics demonstrated what it takes to embrace gender equality and inclusion?

The decision to contest in any competition is first, the decision of the individual.

But the environment of the individual is also key in making that personal decision.

Aquaphobia, for example, will keep one from taking part in any swimming competition.

And so too cultural norms and financial barriers, especially in races such as the September polls.

Former Malawi President Dr Joyce Banda has made history as the first woman to lead a Southern African Development Community (SADC) peace mission, stepping in to help stabilise Madagascar after months of political unrest and a military takeover.