WESTERN PROVINCE ELECTS FIRST WOMAN, VICTORIA OLORATAVO, INTO THE PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY

The election of the new Provincial Member for Kusaghe ward, Ms Victoria Sino Oloratavo, into the Western Provincial Assembly is positive news for the women of this nation, considering the low level of participation by women in both the National Parliament and the Provincial Assemblies.

On Monday 29 June, 2009, the election of new provincial leaders by the people of Western Province was successfully completed. According to the Returning Officer for Western Province, Mr. Jonathan Bana, out of the 172 candidates contesting the 26 seats in the Assembly, only 1 of the 8 women contesting were successful.

This is the first time for a woman to be elected into the Western Provincial Assembly and whilst official election results are yet to be announced by the Minister for Provincial Government Hon. Manasseh Maelanga, confirmation of the election of Victoria Sino Oloratavo is a subtle indication of change to the perception of women in political leadership. More....