A local private radio station in Malawi has caused a stir by announcing that it intends to give coverage to only female candidates in the country's forth coming local government elections.
Managing director of Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS), Gospel Kazako acknowledged that the decision was unlikely to pass without criticism but defended the policy by arguing:
“Men have been given a chance before and this time let’s support women. We know that these women have their own shortfalls just like men, but we will deliberately never going to report about the bad side of women aspirants... our editorial policy [already] demands us to promote and address issues concerning poor people, women and children. Coincidentally, the poor people are mostly these two groups of women and children.”
On a democratic note, it is not irrational to argue that the policy could work to the country's disadvantage, as incompetent people may end up winning the elections at the expense of the most competent ones who lacked exposure. This could also mean that the elections lack level playing field and may raise questions of the fairness of elections.
Without having to go into the job specifications of the local councillors and their effectiveness, I has to be said that the radio station has come up with a plausible move. I believe all well-meaning people must applaud the policy, not only those who are into people empowerment but also those who value development, as women are key players.
As the saying goes: 'educate a man and you educate one person; educate a woman and you educate a whole nation' this not just an empty rhetoric. Studies have shown that women produce between 60 and 80 percent of food in most developing countries and half of the world's food production.
It has also been established that increasing primary schooling girls could raise agricultural output by 24 percent. This also plays a key role improve nutrition and health at household level. It may also help lower mortality rates.
I am aware that these are mere statistics but I also believe that it is the policy such as the one ZBS has taken that could turn figures into practical reality. Local councillors will not necessarily be involved in day-to-day food production but they will have an opportunity to influence policies.