The Swapo Party Women's Council (SPWC) in the Zambezi Region has been urged to strengthen its structures, promote unity and invest in mentoring young women to prepare them for future leadership responsibilities.

Speaking at the SPWC regional conference in Katima Mulilo, Swapo Party Regional Coordinator for the Zambezi Region, Linken Chibozu emphasised that the strength of the party depends on strong, active and disciplined structures.

"The women's council must therefore remain at the forefront of political mobilisation, community engagement and organisational development. We need women who are not only interested in holding positions but are prepared to serve, mobilise, organise and defend the principles of this party."

He encouraged the Women's Council to mentor young women and equip them with leadership skills to prepare them for responsibilities within the party.

Chibozu said this at the conference, which saw Dorothy Matengu retain her position with 34 votes as Swapo Party Women's Council Regional Coordinator for the Zambezi Region after contesting against Sehwe Khama, who received 17 votes.

Meanwhile, Member of the Swapo Party Regional Executive Committee Dorothy Kabula urged members to rally behind elected candidates and remain united despite differences during the electoral process.

"We must be united; we should not be divided because of the elections; we should not be divided because of the tribes; we should not be divided because I don't like that one; no, that's not how Swapo wants us to be."

Former Swapo Party Women's Council Secretary Ellen Musialela also reminded members that supporting elected leaders should go beyond the election process, calling for collective responsibility and accountability.

"After electing them, are we walking with them? Are we walking with our councillor? Are we walking all of us because we always rush to point fingers? Yes, we elected them, and it's up to them to do something, but we forget that even we, because when you point a finger at someone else, how many fingers are pointing at you? So that's where we forget."