By Robert Nayeja

Nsanje, August 10, Mana: Senior Chief Chimombo of Nsanje district has challenged women and persons with disabilities to take a leading role in development as one way of enhancing socio-economic development in the country.

Chimombo was speaking during a training for Area Development Committee (ADC) members in Nsanje, aimed at mobilizing communities to give support to women and people with disabilities to assume key positions in development.

The senior chief said most women and persons with disabilities don’t take part in development due to lack of opportunities.

“Most women and people with disabilities are capable of contributing to socio-economic development of the country, but communities do not give them a chance to showcase their capabilities,” said the chief.

He therefore, called upon people in the country to trust women and people with disabilities to take positions in politics as the country is fast approaching to the September 2025 general elections.

“I am glad that Women Legal Resources Centre (WOLREC) has come to encourage communities to put their trust in minority groups. This training is an eye opener to the chiefs and the communities especially on the importance of ushering minority groups in key political positions.

“As a traditional leader, I would like to encourage the communities to give a chance to women and people with disabilities in the coming elections,” he added.

Chairperson for Nsanje District Council, Mike Kafalachi said for a long time, women and people with disabilities have been victimised in developmental initiatives.

“We are very delighted with this initiative as it will help communities to change their mindset towards women and people with disabilities on their contribution in development,” Kafalachi added.

One of the participants, Juliet Mzava from Makoko ADC, said the training has been an eye opener as women and people with disabilities are treated as incapable in communities.

“Some people have interest to take lead in development but they end up looking down upon themselves because of their gender or disability. We will go and enlighten the communities to trust women and people with disabilities with key positions in development structures,” she added.

Mzava, therefore, hailed WORLEC for drumming up support for women and people with disabilities.

Nsanje District Community Development Officer, Hope Mazuma said the meeting will help the ADC members to work professionally without infringing on minority groups.

Mazuma, therefore, hailed WOLREC for the support.

WOLREC with support from the European Union is working in seven districts in Malawi, addressing critical gaps in leadership exposure and preparation for political participation through provision of access to decision-making structures, such as ADCs by ensuring that women, the youth and persons with disabilities can actively participate in politics and governance.