Source:Tanzania Daily News
Zanzibar — WOMEN leaders from various political parties held a meeting in Zanzibar to encourage participation in elections as they called on the authorities to establish a level playing field for all the people.
Representatives from CCM, CUF, CHADEMA, ADC, TLP, NCCR, TADEA and Zanzibar Youth Forum attended the meeting, which was held at the Zanzibar- UWZ (Association of People with Disability in Zanzibar) hall.
Women from CUF, CHADEMA and CCM stressed the need for political parties and the electoral commissions to encourage women to contest in the next elections and register to vote.
"This is our year to contest in elections; let us contest for House of Representatives, Members of Parliament and councillors," Ms Janet Bernard Fusi from CHADEMA said, discouraging women from placing their hopes only on Special Seats slots.
She challenged women to campaign for themselves instead of being on the bandwagon canvassing votes for male candidates.
Ms Fat-hiya Zahran Salum from CUF said women should take part in the forthcoming elections and stand firm in campaigning for women candidates.
Ms Wanu Hafidh Ameir, a serving member of the Zanzibar House of Representatives (Special Seats) said women faced many challenges in elections, including lack of funds, particularly when it came to competing against men.
Ms Asha Aboud from the Zanzibar Gender Coalition said at the meeting, which was organized by the Tanzania Media Women's Association (TAMWA), that women should encourage each other to take part in the elections.
"We want women and people with disabilities to turn up and contest in the elections without fear," she said.
"Men leaders in political parties should also encourage and clear the path for women to contest and win political positions," Ms Mzuri Issa from TAMWA said as she thanked the UN for supporting the meeting.