Nsanje communities hail young women project
Communities in traditional authorities (T/As) Malemia and Mbenje in Nsanje have commended Young Women in Active Politics Project (Ywap) for increasing women representation in politics and decentralised structures in the district.
They said this on Thursday during a monitoring visit to Chididi and Tisinthe young women action groups (Ywags) under Danish Church Aid’s (DCA) Ywap project with financial support from European Union.
Group village head (GVH) Masimo in T/A Malemia said the project has enabled communities to embrace women in decision-making positions.
“Women, as one of the beneficiaries of development projects, should lead in decision-making committees.
“Again, by nature, they strive for the common good and their empowerment guarantees improved welfare of communities,” he said.
GVH Nguluwe in T/A Mbenje said girls were encouraged to work hard in school to qualify for leadership positions.
TisintheYwag chairperson YamikaniLuhanga said they also hold positions in political parties and that more females will contest in 2024 Tripartite Elections.
“We are proactive in area and village development committees [ADCs and VDCs].
“Men no longer regard us as inferiors, but key partners in development affairs,” she said
DCA project manager William Kholongo said the project seeks to address limited participation of young women in politics
“If the youth are not involved in politics, there is nothing for them. So, we want to encourage them to participate in politics while young,” he said.
The project targets young women aged between 15 and 35 years and is being implemented by Women’s Legal Resources Centre (Wolrec).
The area has a female legislator, Gladys Ganda.
