National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust says it has extended its support for women ahead of the 2030 General Election in Salima District.
The commitment follows zero victory for 26 female aspirants in both local government and parliamentary election in the September 16 General Election in the district.
Speaking in the district on Friday during a stakeholders’ review under Nice Trust’s Nthawi Yathu Project which supported the women candidates, Nice Trust executive director Grey Kalindekafe reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting the women in the 2030 General Election.
He said Nice Trust conducted an election post-mortem to understand the setbacks and develop strategies for better outcomes in the next general election.
“To us, these women are not losers. They demonstrated great courage by contesting and we appreciate their participation. Although they did not win, they now have a solid foundation to build on,” he said.
In his remarks, Senior Chief Kalonga encouraged the women not to abandon their political aspirations.
“It is disheartening that women, who make up a significant portion of the population, are underrepresented in politics. We will continue to support them until they attain leadership positions in the next elections,” he said
Esther Kaunda Soko, who contested as councillor for Lipimbi Tamanda Ward, said financial constraints were a major challenge.
However, she appreciated the support Nice Trust provided and appealed for such assistance to start preparations for 2030.
Meanwhile, Sakina Chingomanje, who contested for Salima Central East parliamentary seat under the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), encouraged women to support one another.
Nice was implementing Nthawi Yathu Project ahead of the September 16 General Election with support from the United Nations Development Programme.
The project was running in Chitipa, Neno, Karonga and Salima districts.
