The Women’s Council of Chadema (Bawacha) has officially received nomination forms for candidates vying for the position of Bawacha National Secretary General at its offices in Kinondoni, Dar es Salaam.
Accompanied by an enthusiastic crowd of supporters, Catherine Ruge submitted her form to defend her position as National Secretary General. She expressed her determination to uphold the party's core principles while addressing neglected constitutional and structural issues.
“When others left, who stayed to uphold the party’s principles? Who endured arrests, and challenges, and fought tirelessly for the party? My unwavering commitment remains the same: to ensure the party moves forward and to achieve genuine revolutionary change,” Catherine said.
She highlighted her longstanding dedication to the party, emphasizing her role in leading protests, facing arrests, and enduring challenges without ever abandoning Chadema. Ruge took on the position of Secretary General following the resignation of Halima Mdee and Grace Tendega in December 2021.
Another candidate submitting her nomination was Esther Cyprian Dafi, who reflected on her journey after her unsuccessful bid in the 2021 election. Esther, a law graduate, has been part of the party since 2010, serving as a legal officer for Bawacha for over five years.
“I am running again, not as an experiment, but with conviction. As both a leader and a mother, I have served the Women’s Council and Bavicha. Chadema has shaped me, and I am committed to advancing this vision by taking on the role of Bawacha Secretary General. Bawacha is a formidable force, and our ultimate goal is to take power. Together, we can achieve this,” she asserted.
Esther emphasized her plans to introduce training programs for party leaders to ensure effective governance, enhance operational efficiency, and foster sustainable economic empowerment. Her vision includes initiatives for entrepreneurship and digital opportunities for women, as well as advocacy for a free electoral commission and a new constitution for all members.
This year’s Bawacha elections have sparked renewed energy, attracting three candidates for the Secretary-General position, including Pamela Massey, who submitted her form on January 3.
The Women’s Council elections have also seen two candidates vie for the chairperson role: the acting chairperson, Sharifa Suleimani, and Susan Kiwanga, both of whom submitted their forms on January 3.
The elections reflect Chadema’s commitment to democratic processes as outlined in the Bawacha constitution. Delegates include two representatives from each constituency and two from every administrative region of the council, who will cast their votes to determine the leadership.
Speaking about the candidates, the regional chairperson of Bawacha commended and encouraged the participants, pledging full support to ensure a successful and inclusive electoral process.
These elections mark a significant step in strengthening the council’s leadership and advancing its goals of fostering democracy and empowering women within the party and across the nation.