WiLDAF Empowers Women Candidates Ahead of General Elections

This week, the Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF) has launched a strategic training program aimed at strengthening the leadership and campaign capacity of women candidates ahead of the general elections. The initiative seeks to increase women’s political participation and ensure more women are elected into decision-making positions.

The training brings together 200 women candidates — 100 from Zanzibar and Pemba, and 100 from Dar es Salaam. It focuses on practical campaign skills, effective public speaking, personal security, information and digital safety, as well as strategies for peaceful and inclusive elections.

Speaking during the launch, WiLDAF National Coordinator, Advocate Anna Kulaya, emphasized that empowering women with these skills is key to overcoming barriers they face in politics.

“We are building the confidence and resilience of women candidates so they can run effective campaigns while safeguarding their personal and digital security,” she said.

Participants echoed the value of the training:

• Amina Zuberi Mtemvu (CCM), councilor candidate for Ndugumbi Ward, noted that the sessions clarified the dos and don’ts of campaigning and boosted her confidence.
• Saida Kupela (ACT-Wazalendo), contesting for Vingunguti Ward, reflected that the training has helped her embrace transformative leadership focused on impact rather than authority.
• Salma Kalokola (CUF), councilor candidate for Kivule Ward, expressed gratitude to WILDAF for equipping her with the tools to participate meaningfully and bravely in the elections.

Facilitator Rose Ngunangwa encouraged the women to be ambassadors of peace and hope during campaigns, while also stressing the importance of protecting their personal data to prevent misuse that could jeopardize their leadership ambitions.

This program is part of the Irish Aid Women Now Project, supported by the Government of Ireland. Beyond campaign strategies, it equips women candidates with tools to combat online violence, strengthen information security, and enhance conflict resolution skills.

The training involves candidates from multiple political parties, including CCM, ACT-Wazalendo, NCCR-Mageuzi, CHAUMA, and CUF, reinforcing WILDAF’s commitment to inclusive, cross-party support for women in leadership.