Speaker asks Chiefs to support women for 2025 elections

Speaker of Parliament Catherine Gotani Hara has asked traditional leaders to support women in order to have a balanced male and female representation during 2025 elections.

Gotani Hara made the call in Machinga when Women in Parliament Caucus with support from Oxfam organized a lobbying exercise in Machinga East Constituency which is represented by United Democratic Front (UDF) Member of Parliament Esther Jolobala.

Hara emphasized the need to empower women into legislative positions saying it will help to amplify their voices and become agents of change in their societies.

” I am worried with the rise cases of gender based violence in the country hence appealing to people to show love on one another,” Hara

On her part, Oxfam country director Lingalireni Mihowa, pointed out perceptions and negative stereotypes as barriers that hinder women from attaining different positions hence engaging traditional leaders to end malpractice.

She however revealed that her organization is developing a proposal which will enable them to support more Women to attain legislative positions during 2025 elections.

On his part, Senior chief Nkoola pledged his commitment to support women participation in all activities including 2025 general elections.

According to Nkoola, having women at the table to play a greater role in decision making, particularly at the political level is a key part.

During the exercise, Oxfam awarded recognition certificate to over 30 traditional leaders under Senior chief Nkoola as champions of ending violence against women and girls as well as child marriages

It assisted girls from Mwazaangati Primary School girls with solar lamps, sanitary materials, distributed netball kits and exercise books among others.