By Lekereni Chinkhota

Salima, October 5, Mana: Salima District Council in collaboration with the Women's Legal Resources Centre (WOLREC) and OXFAM has engaged women leaders to address challenges they face and identify solutions in a bid to promote women's participation in political activities and decision-making.

Speaking during a women’s assembly held at Rivermark Lodge in Salima on Thursday, Salima District Council Director of Human Resources, Grace Kamtande, expressed concern over the low representation of women in decision-making platforms, which she said undermines their voices.

 Kamtande said it is unfortunate that women are not active in patronizing various political positions as well as supporting one another to assume such roles that would give them a platform to voice out issues that concern them.

"As a district, we are not doing well in terms of representation for women, youth, and people with disabilities in different platforms to voice their concerns and contribute to solutions,” Kamtande said.

She said the Council wants inclusion so that their voices are also heard and issues that impede them are solved.

Kamtande attributed the poor representation to women’s lack of confidence and guidance, stressing the need for empowerment and awareness.

She explained that many women underestimate their potential, believing their roles are confined to domestic duties.

“Lack of awareness and sensitization is leading to poor representation. Women need to understand themselves that they have potential and WOLREC as well as OXFAM are helping them realize that,” she said.

She, therefore, urged women to take up leadership positions to make a positive impact not only in their homes but also across the nation.

A representative from Pemba Area Development Committee, Edrina Kenamu, praised WOLREC and OXFAM for creating a platform where women can express their concerns.

She emphasized that women need to be more active in decision-making as male leaders often overlook issues affecting them.

“We have realized that when men represent us, many of the issues important to women are not addressed. This assembly has empowered us to begin taking leadership roles and influence change in our communities,” Kenamu said.

She encouraged women to support fellow women aspiring for political positions such as councillors or Members of Parliament to ensure their voices are heard and uplift one another.

The assembly brought together women from all circles of life in all the traditional authorities in Salima with a special focus on members of Community-Based Organizations, women’s forums and other community groups.

The goal was to inspire more women to take on leadership roles and drive positive change.