with me. This meant that all my supporters came to meet me in the dead
of night to pledge their commitment. Eventually, I won the Ward Member
election by thirty votes. The other side gave people alcohol and organised a
feast the night before the elections but I won despite that. For me it was a
double victory. With my support, my chosen candidate beat them to win the
President election.
I first came to Navai as a child bride at the age of 13. Forty years on, I am
Navai’s busiest Ward Member. My mobile phone rings constantly with calls
from local politicians. I have been elected Ward Member twice over. I know
all the local netas (politicians) and government Officials. People in my Ward
call me whenever they need to get things done. I am their guardian. I am a
little battle-weary now though, and am ready to step back. I will not stand a
third time round. I will, however, ensure that another woman is elected. The
greatest lesson I have learnt over the years is that ‘Women can do it’.