Ward councilor for Maganga Kulunda ward in Salima Central Constituency Asiyatu Chakwera Kululanga said this during a dialogue session between women councilors and council secretariat organized by Gender Justice Unit.

Kululanga said their honorarium is not enough to support them in their activities so they can retain their seats come next elections.

"This has been said time and again, this is the right time for organizations promoting 50-50 representation to help us in our different community interventions now other than coming in 2024 close to the general elections," Lamented Kululanga.

She thus hailed the arrangement by the Gender Justice Unit for initiating the dialogue with people who matter at the council secretariat.

Meanwhile, Gender Justice Unit Project Manager Tionge Nyemba says her organization with support from Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa OSISA is helping the women councilors with pieces of training, exposing them to media among other issues that would help them retain their positions.

"This project is aimed at empowering women members of Parliament and Councillors so that they can be relevant to their communities and be sure of retaining their seats," Nyemba said.

Ward Councilor for Chitala ward in Salima Northwest constituency Esther Soko has pleaded with stakeholders not to relent in raising awareness about the potential of women in elected positions.

In Salima district out of 10 wards, only 3 have women ward councilors and there is no female member of Parliament.