United for Peace: How a Coalition Led by Women is Influencing Malawi’s 2025 Elections

Thyolo, Malawi – As Malawi gears up for its general elections on September 16,2025, a formidable alliance of five organizations in the Thyolo district is striving to uphold peace and democracy, not through division, but through unity, civic education, and the active involvement of women.

The coalition, consisting of nongovernmental organisations, Chipembere Community Development Organization (CCDO), National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust, the Public Affairs Committee (PAC), the District Peace and Unity Committee, and a community drama group, has initiated a collaborative effort to foster peaceful, informed, and inclusive elections. This initiative is supported by the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund through UN Women Malawi.

The coalition conducted civic engagement sessions in different parts of Thyolo district in southern Malawi, using interactive drama performances and open community discussions to address electoral malpractices such as political violence, vote-buying, and tribalism. They also advocated for issue-based campaigning, tolerance, and enhanced participation of women in politics. Over 8,500 community members were reached through these awareness raising sessions.

Central to this initiative is a dedication to ensuring that women, who are often marginalized in political processes—are not merely voters but also leaders in cultivating a peaceful electoral atmosphere. Dalitso Chiwayula, Executive Director of CCDO, underscored that democracy cannot flourish without the inclusion of women’s voices.

 “Election periods often witness an increase in violence and intimidation, especially against women and girls,” Chiwayula says. “Through our Progressive Peace Building and Conflict Prevention among Girls and Women in Rural Communities of Thyolo project, which is supported by the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) via UN Women Malawi, we are empowering women to participate safely, take on leadership roles, and demand accountability.”

CCDO’s initiatives encompass training women and girls as peacebuilders, establishing community-based conflict resolution mechanisms, and providing civic education to combat misinformation.

Moses Kaunda, the District Program Officer for NICE Trust, called upon citizens to transcend political divisions and concentrate on development, healthcare, and education when assessing candidates.

"Democracy is not merely about advocating for a party-it is about making informed decisions for the future of our nation," Kaunda says. "We are reminding voters: ensure you mark your ballot correctly, reject vote-buying, and dismiss divisive rhetoric that can fracture communities." The Tikumbusane Drama Group reinforced these messages through theatrical performances, employing humor and storytelling to highlight the perils of electoral violence and the strength of collective action.

As the election date approaches, the coalition intends to broaden its outreach to additional constituencies, merging grassroots discussions, cultural performances, and civic education to promote national unity. Their message is clear, peaceful elections necessitate the cooperation of all citizens, but women must spearhead the effort.

In a nation where political tensions frequently escalate into violence, this women-led peace initiative demonstrates that when communities come together, democracy not only survives, it flourishes.