Senior Chief Kalonga of Salima has accused political parties of not supporting and encouraging more women to contest as members of parliament.
The chief said this has resulted in only two women contesting as MP in the five constituencies of the district.
Speaking on Wednesday during a review meeting held at Salima Community Hall which was organized by Pan African Civic Educators Network (PACENET) aimed at creating opportunities to increase women participation and representation in the electoral processes for 2019 polls, the Chief said for the country to mature in democracy, political parties should not only give women a chance to contest as councillors but members of parliament as well.
“I am not happy with the number of women contesting as MPs in the district, I would be grateful if the numbers of women contesting as MPs were like that of those vying as councillors as well,” he said.
He then urged all female aspirants to put much effort by coming up with attractive manifestos that can make more people to vote for them during the polls.
In his remarks, Project Manager for PACENET Cassidy Magreta said women MPs and councillors are capable of initiating developments in their respective areas hence the need to promote women aspirants contesting as MPs as well as ward councillors and vote for them in multitude.
Magreta further said voters should have in mind that naturally women are the backbone of development starting from household to national level and if given chance to be in decision making positions the country will have meaningful development.
The review meeting brought together local leaders, community based organizations, department of gender and the media to map the way forward in making sure that there is 50-50 representation in Parliament as well as at council level.
