By Joel Phiri

Mzimba, April 28, Mana: Chiefs in Mzimba District say people should no longer blame leaders in patriarchal societies for the failure of women to triumph in elections but rather blame it on monetization of politics.

Paramount Chief M’mbelwa IV of Mzimba made the remarks on Monday when Women's Legal Resource Centre (WOLREC) and Oxfam held an engagement meeting with chiefs drawn from the district to discuss on a “Gender Transformation and Youth Inclusive Democracy” project being implemented in the district.

The paramount chief said women in the district are no longer sidelined from vying for political leadership positions due to their gender.

"As chiefs we pledge to be supporting them regardless of some cultural factors which bar women from competing for political leadership positions.

“Issues associated with lack of success by women political aspirants during elections are related to lack of finances as our politics is sadly becoming monetized,” said M’mbelwa IV.

He said is has become a common norm to see well to do aspirants excelling in elections due to their financial muscle.

“These are some of the areas we must look at if we are to promote women’s participation in politics. Money plays a bigger role than the aspirants’ manifestos,” he said.

Senior Traditional Authority Mabulabo said the district has made great strides in opening up for women leaders in recent years.

Gender Officer for M’mbelwa District Council, Naomi Mwale said so far 54 women candidates have expressed interest to vie for various political leadership positions ahead of the September 16, 2025.

WOLREC and Oxfam with funding from European Union is implementing a Gender Transformation and Youth Inclusive Democracy project in seven districts across the country including Mzimba.