This article discusses the nature of the electorates' perceptions towards women leadership and the effects of the perceptions on performance of women candidates in Malawi. It also uncovers the roots of the perceptions that are held towards female leaders. This article draws from empirical evidence generated through a qualitative research design. Zomba is used as a case study and two constituencies, namely, Changalume and Zomba Central constituency were selected. Focus group interviews with electorates in the two constituencies and key informant interviews with the members of parliament and senior representatives from NGOs that deal with gender issues were deemed appropriate for data collection. The findings reveal that Malawians hold negative perceptions towards women leaders. These negative perceptions influence their choice of candidate when voting, resulting in the preference for a male candidate. Four main perceptions that el