Mongella couches women ahead of general election

Dodoma. Veteran politician Dr Getrude Mongella has called upon women to be confident and vie for different political positions in the General Election in October.

Dr Mongella who was addressing the National Women Conference on Leadership said, women were already leaders in different social positions including in families, but now they need to step up and compete in political positions including the presidency.

She also encouraged them to avoid sexual corruption and speak objectively when seeking votes.

“There are people who invest in sexual corruption to win, but how many people will you sleep with? That is actually prostitution. When you stand in front of the people seeking their votes, you are aspiring to become a leader of all. Don’t even try to speak as women rights activists because you need even men to vote for you,” he said.

Dr Mongella advised women to also avoid magical powers to help them win as the vice may accelerate other evils like killing of people with albinism.

“Competing for leadership is all about selling agenda and not gender fight. If women come out with a strong agenda they will definitely win votes from all people including men,” she said, adding:

“Let’s compete fiercely. There are forces against women called PHD – pull her down – but they should not discourage you.”

On the other hand, Chamwino District Commissioner Farida Mgomi, said that the demand for 50/50 balance in political positions was not the fight against men but just to ensure that both groups are well represented in the country’s decision-making. The two-day conference was organised by Actionaid and Tanzania Gender Networking Programme.