Empowering Change: Pendo Makala’s Leadership Revolution in Mbelekes

 Empowering Change: Pendo Makala’s Leadership Revolution in Mbelekese

 

 

 
Iramba, Singida, Tanzania
By Deogratius Koyanga

In the Mbelekese Ward, Iramba district, Singida region, quiet yet profound changes are unfolding. These changes are driven by the vision, influence, and unwavering commitment of Pendo Makala Mkumbo, a passionate advocate for women's rights and a leader emerging from the UKIJANI project, implemented by HELVETAS Tanzania. Her story stands out as a shining example of how training and determination can create ripples of change in a rural community.

Historically, the Nyiramba tribe’s customs and traditions have hindered women's participation in leadership. These deep-rooted views often limit their chances of taking on decision-making roles, despite national policies and laws like the National Land Policy (1995), Village Land Act (1999), and the Local Government Act (1982), which recognize women as rightful landowners and decision-makers. Furthermore, Tanzania is a signatory to regional agreements such as the Maputo Protocol and Agenda 2063 of the African Union, both emphasizing gender equality and women's leadership in all sectors. However, the challenge lies in translating these policies into real change, especially in communities where traditional beliefs still hold strong.

After completing leadership training through UKIJANI in 2024, Pendo took immediate action to challenge the status quo. She did not limit her efforts to women alone; she reached out to men—who often hold the power in rural settings to allow or deny their wives the right to lead. She visited coffee shops, local brew joints, and football fields, engaging men in conversations that encouraged them to rethink their perspectives and support women’s leadership.

“We realized that empowering only women was not enough because many were restricted by their husbands. So, we turned to the men to be part of the change,” Pendo reflects.

Her outreach began to bear fruit. A villager from Mbelekese, Mzee Omary Salum, remembers how Pendo’s direct approach made a lasting impact:
“I never imagined a woman could come to me, sit me down, and ask me to support my wife running for office. But Pendo came, spoke calmly but firmly. She opened my eyes. Today, my wife is a member of the school committee,” he says proudly.

Pendo’s tireless efforts led to remarkable results in the 2024 local elections. Unlike in 2019, when no women held the position of Ward Chair, women in Mbelekese emerged victorious. In Kikonge village, two women—Neema Said Shila (75 votes) and Hadija Mohamed Dafi (10 votes)—made it into the top five for the village chairmanship election. A woman whom Pendo mentored and campaigned for, was elected as the Chair of Mabanda Hamlet.

Beyond politics, Pendo has been a driving force in advocating for better public services. As the Secretary of the UWT (Union of Women in Tanzania) in her ward, she uses her position to encourage women to take part in decision-making positions. Her advocacy has led to vital initiatives like improved healthcare, school feeding programs, the establishment of girls' hostels in secondary schools, and access to clean water.

“If we can build one hostel for girls and another for boys, we will reduce absenteeism, teen pregnancies, and help students stay close to their schools,” she states.

Through her leadership and the support of her peers, Pendo has also helped educate women about the importance of land ownership. By encouraging Elisiana Mkumbo to contest for a seat on the Land Council at the ward level, she has empowered women to claim their rights to land. Many women, who previously did not understand the value of land ownership, now recognize it as a crucial right and opportunity.

“Before, many women thought that if their husbands owned land, that was enough. Now, we’ve made sure they understand that they too have the right to own land. Many women have now registered their names on land titles along with their husbands,” Pendo adds.

Through the UKIJANI training, Pendo also learned more about the critical gender issues and women’s rights that were often overlooked by local leaders. She and her fellow UWT leaders began school visits, educating girls about reproductive health and fighting gender-based violence. Positive results are already visible, including a reduction in teen pregnancies.

“We realized that leaders were not giving enough attention to issues of gender equality. Now, we’ve started visiting schools, and we’re already seeing results,” Pendo shares.

Together with her fellow village council members, Pendo has been advocating for the establishment of better public services, with a focus on water, health, and education, ensuring that girls are given priority and protected from gender-based violence.

Pendo’s journey is a testament to the fact that true empowerment begins at the grassroots level. It’s a reminder that with the right knowledge, influence, and determination, women can emerge as powerful leaders, driving significant social change in their communities. Through the UKIJANI project, Pendo is not just changing attitudes, she’s raising a new generation of women leaders in Tanzania.