Thokozani Khonje, Ward Councillor for Khonjeni–Mangunda, addressing the gathering during the awareness campaign.
Chipembere Community Development Organization (CCDO) has been implementing the Progressive Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention among Women and Girls Project (2024–2026) in rural communities of Thyolo district, specifically in Traditional Authorities Bvumbwe, Nchiramwela, Changata, Maganiza, and Maggie.
The project aims to end gender-based violence (GBV), strengthen conflict mediation mechanisms, and empower women and girls to take up leadership positions within their communities.
At the onset of the project in 2024, CCDO focused on building the capacity of women, girls, and Area Peace and Unity Committees (APUCs). Through trainings, dialogues and community engagements, participants were equipped with advocacy skills to promote peace, challenge harmful gender norms, and encourage women to claim leadership positions and influence community decision-making.
As the 16 September 2025 General Elections approached, CCDO intensified its women’s empowerment campaigns. These initiatives provided civic education to community members on the importance of voting for women candidates, encouraged women not to underestimate their leadership potential, and promoted collective action to support women aspiring for public office.
A powerful example of the project’s impact can be seen in Mikate Village under Traditional Authority Maganiza. Thokozani Khonje, a long-time advocate for her community, had contested for the Ward Councillor position in the past three general elections without success.
This time, however, things changed. Through unified support from women’s groups strengthened by CCDO’s advocacy and peacebuilding efforts, community perceptions shifted. Women rallied together, spoke with one voice, and mobilized voters to support female leadership.
As a result, Thokozani Khonje was elected Ward Councillor for Khonjeni Mangunda Ward in the 2025 General Elections.
Speaking during one of CCDO’s awareness campaigns, Councillor Khonje expressed gratitude for the support and pledged to deliver inclusive development for her area. She emphasized that women are equally capable of driving transformation, just as society has long believed men can.
Her victory stands as a testament to the power of sustained community empowerment, collective action and intentional investment in women’s leadership throughout the 2024–2026 project period.
Chiwayula addresses a gathering at Khonjeni Ground during a political debate session.