National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust has expressed satisfaction with the growing participation of women in politics, saying recent election results in Karonga show that communities are increasingly recognising women as capable leaders.
Nice Trust executive director Grey Kalindekafe said the victories of Tionge Chindamba in Rukuru South Ward and Miness Mwalweni in Kaluma North Ward prove that women can excel in elections when they receive necessary support.
I Franco Mwachande jnr
He said this on Tuesday in Karonga during a stakeholders’ review meeting for Nthawi Yawo Project aimed at increasing women’s participation in electoral processes.
Kalindekafe said Nice has been equipping aspiring women with essential skills such as public speaking, campaign planning and presenting development agenda.
“Our efforts are bearing fruit. Women are now able to articulate issues, organise effective campaigns and compete confidently because they have the knowledge they need,” he said.
Kalindekafe said the project, which is running in Karonga, Chitipa, Salima and Neno districts, has helped many women understand how to engage voters and run issue-based campaign.
However, he expressed concern over the rising cost of running for public office, noting that financial challenges continue to discourage many qualified women from contesting.
Chindamba, who was also elected vice-chairperson of Karonga Town Council, thanked voters for believing in her vision and prioritising development over handouts.
Another aspirant, Mary Japi of Kaporo Ward, who did not win in the September 16 General Election, said women in politics continue to face insults and ridicule.
The project, funded by the United Nations Development Programme, seeks to empower women with knowledge and support needed to pursue leadership roles
