Gender rights activists have hailed the appointment of two women, Patricia Wiskes and Martha Ngwira, as Chief Whip and Deputy Chief Whip in Parliament by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

The appointments have excited, gender rights activists in the country, who say this signifes progress in ensuring women are in the lead.

Coordinator for the Women’s Manifesto Movement, Maggie Kathewera Banda, says the appointments demonstrate commendable progress toward inclusive leadership and the meaningful participation of women in decision-making spaces.

Kathewera Banda, who also heads the NGO-Gender Coordination Network, adds that they expect the upcoming Cabinet to reflect the country’s Gender Equality Act.

"This is a very exciting news for us as women advocates. Women representation in Parliament is now growing. We need more," said Kathewera Banda.

Gender expert, Dalitso Baloyi, says while the appointments are a positive step, more needs to be done for Malawi to achieve the desired 40:60 gender ratio.

"We are doing better as Malawi but we need to put in much effort to have more women in leadership positions. We have the gender ration that is lagging behind," says Baloyi.

The development comes as preparations continue for the swearing-in ceremony of Members of Parliament ahead of the 52nd Session of Parliament.

Early before the elections, the women Manifesto movement had launched it's manifesto in which presidential candidates committed to adopt.