By Wellington Sibale

Neno, September 6, Mana: National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust in collaboration with the Center for Civil Society Strengthening (CCSS) this week trained female aspirants in Neno District to help them conduct winning political campaigns ahead of the 2025 general elections.

NICE Trust, Civic Education Programmes Officer, Christopher Naphiyo highlighted that Neno was selected as a beneficiary district of a project called; Nthawi Yawo as the district lacks female representation in both parliamentary and local government positions alongside Salima and Karonga.

“Neno currently has no female Member of Parliament or ward councilor that is why we priorities it for this programme. We organized this training to empower women in political leadership,” said Naphiyo.

He said the training was meant to equip women, particularly young female aspirants with the necessary knowledge and skills to engage effectively in political leadership.

Naphiyo said participants are expected to gain a deeper understanding of the political landscape and be prepared to take on leadership roles.

He, therefore, called on women in Neno and across the country to contest for elective positions in the 2025 general elections and observed that women have a reputation for honesty and the ability to meet the needs of the people.

Director of Planning and Development for Neno District Council, Charles Lomoni said the training will empower women to play an active role in the district’s political landscape thereby contributing to the development.

“Neno is one of the least developed districts in the country. If women are empowered to take on leadership roles, they can make decisions that would benefit their communities.” Lomoni said.

He therefore expressed hope that the training will equip female aspirants with the knowledge and skills to address the challenges the district faces.

A participant in the training who is a shadow Member of Parliament for Neno North, Chandice Chimphonda said the training was relevant and impactful on political ambition.

“This training has been of great interest. I am returning to my constituency with enhanced knowledge and skills that have strengthened my campaign,” she said.

The training’s objective is to equip aspirants with the knowledge and skills necessary for political leadership, identify capacity gaps and future training needs including promoting the active participation of women particularly young women and persons with disabilities.

With funding from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), NICE Trust and CCSS are implementing the Inclusive Participation of Women in Politics (Nthawi Yawo) Project in Karonga, Salima and Neno districts to increase women's participation in politics.