PMI-WILL BUILDS CAPACITY IN POTENTIAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT FEMALE LEADERS

"Shine your light as potential leaders.” Chipata Mayor urges women.

Earlier today, Local Government Association of Zambia Vice President for Eastern Province, Councillor Chimwemwe Banda, who is also Chairperson for Chasefu Town Council, officiated a 2-day training workshop for women potential leaders in Eastern province. She was joined by Chipata Mayor, His Worship Councillor George Mwanza. Organised under the auspices of the Partnerships for Municipal Women – Women in Local Leadership (PMI-WILL) project being implemented by the Association in collaboration with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), the training is intended to build capacities of women to participate effectively as leaders and decision makers in local government.

It brings together 35 women potential leaders, including current selected female councillors drawn from different districts in Eastern province.

Councillor Chimwemwe reflected on multiple barriers in the path of elective leadership at the local level. She encouraged participants to be brave despite many obstacles and take keen interest in local leadership, stressing that women voices were key to actualizing inclusive and gender responsive policy and development outcomes at the local level.

Meanwhile, speaking as a host Mayor and gender champion, Councillor George Mwanza encouraged women and young people to shine their light and take up leadership positions before growing older. Drawing on his experience as one of the youngest Mayors in the country, Councillor Mwanza urged women and young people to be focused and demonstrate bravery and courage to face and deal with negative norms and other obstacles on the path to elective leadership.

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