By Peter Davieson

The Coalition of Women Living with HIV/AIDS (COWLHA) has called for greater participation of women and youth in leadership roles ahead of the upcoming general elections scheduled for September.

COWLHA Project Officer Edwin Nyoka made the remarks in Phalombe during a two-day community engagement and youth orientation tour aimed at encouraging active participation in electoral processes.

Nyoka expressed concern over the low turnout of women and youth contesting for various positions in the upcoming elections.

He stressed the importance of inclusive leadership and urged men to support women and youth in taking up key roles in their communities, regardless of their social or economic status.

“There is still a noticeable gap in the number of women and young people stepping forward to lead.

We need to change that narrative and ensure they are not just voters, but also candidates and decision-makers,” Nyoka said.