From Representation to Influence: Strengthening the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus in Malawi

The Parliamentary Women’s Caucus is positioning itself not simply as a platform for representation, but as a force for influence within Malawi’s legislative process.

February 12, 2026

Hon. Mary Maulidi Khembo, MP, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus (seated, front row, third from right), and Senator Biodun Olujimi (seated, front row, third from left), representing the African Women’s Leadership Network, pose for a group photo with members of the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus.

The Parliament of Malawi, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Women, convened an Orientation Workshop for the Women’s Caucus to strengthen its strategic role in shaping policy, advancing accountability, and championing gender equality.

Hon. Mary Maulidi Khembo, MP, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus, delivers opening remarks at the workshop, setting the tone for the sessions.

Opening the workshop, Hon. Mary Maulidi Khembo, MP, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus, set the tone for the sessions, stating, “The Women’s Caucus is not an accessory to Parliament; it is a strategic engine of influence, advocacy, and accountability.” Her remarks underscored the Caucus's responsibility to build solidarity across party lines and ensure that women’s leadership translates into measurable progress.

The orientation comes at a pivotal moment. While women’s representation in Parliament has increased to 48 seats following the 2025 elections, progress toward gender parity remains gradual. In this context, coordination, clarity of purpose, and strategic engagement are essential to ensuring that representation evolves into sustained legislative influence.

Ms. Fenella Frost, UNDP Resident Representative, delivers remarks at the opening of the induction workshop for the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus.

UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Fenella Frost emphasized that inclusive leadership strengthens democratic legitimacy and national development. She highlighted the importance of engaging early in legislative and budget processes to ensure that gender priorities are embedded in national decision-making.

Fatma Mahomed, Deputy Country Representative of UN Women Malawi, reinforced the need to move beyond symbolic participation and called for translating representation into tangible impact for women and girls.

The workshop also benefited from the participation of Senator Biodun Olujimi, representing the African Women’s Leadership Network, underscoring the value of continental peer exchange and solidarity among women leaders.

The orientation was designed to strengthen the institutional coherence and strategic direction of the Caucus. Its objectives included clarifying its mandate and procedures, enhancing gender-responsive budgeting and policy analysis, reinforcing advocacy and oversight roles, and identifying priority actions aligned with the Caucus's Strategic Plan.

This workshop forms part of UNDP’s broader induction series for the Parliament of Malawi, launched in October 2025 to reinforce leadership and institutional effectiveness across parliamentary structures.

Rooted in a strong continental partnership, the initiative is delivered through collaboration from the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa in partnership with the African Union Commission and the African Women Leaders Network through the Africa Facility for Women in Political Leadership.