Paper short abstract:

This paper investigates women leaders’ role in challenging political violence against women and girls (PVAWG) in Malawi during the 2019 elections. We identified three main categories of women leaders for analysis.

Paper long abstract:

Since May 2019 disputed elections; public demonstrations characterized Malawi`s political terrain in which political violence against women and girls (VAWG) thrived. For instance, on 15 October 2019, a total of 17 women and girls in Lilongwe West were subjected to different forms of sexual violence at the hands of police officers according to findings of Malawi Human Right Commission. The role of women gate keepers and game changers is vital in ending political violence against women. We identify three main categories. First, the political level, where women leaders in their political roles or positions have failed or taken action to tackle pre, during and post electoral violence. Second, the civil society women`s rights activists and the last category are those who acted in their legal mandate such as the Ombudsman and Malawi Human Rights Commissioners. The paper argues that although legislation may have created an enabling environment for gender equality and elimination of VAWG, the tension between advocating for oneself or vested interest while serving others and structural barriers influenced their strategies and positions on tackling political violence against women.