Last week, September 8th, an alumna of the Leadership Economic Mentorship Hubs, Annah Sande, victoriously completed her campaign run for the Proportional Representation Councillor seat in Epworth. Anna was a part of the LEMHs program from 2020 to 2021 and completed all stages of the year-long program, including the creation of a movement at her university. It was an emotional day for the LEMHs Alumna and Epworth native as she saw her dream of representing her hometown and neighbours become a reality after becoming the PR Council Elect of her ward.
Anna began her campaign trail for PR Council earlier this year, engaging with local and national leaders, and the members of her community to gain support for her candidacy. Anna was born and raised in Epworth, where she was exposed to the social, economic and political environment in the town. She attended Kubatana Primary School in Epworth and went on to do her O and A levels at Epworth High School and Domboramwari High School. During these high school years, Anna served as a Senior Prefect and as a Head Girl.
Anna Sande was sworn in on Friday, September 8th at the Epworth Local Board where she was surrounded by friends, family, and the rest of her community who voted for her and cheered enthusiastically as she took her place in office. Anna said that she hopes to use her term as Councillor to reinstate the relationship between the people of Epworth and their local council. She also aims to restore the people’s confidence in their local government, focusing on the issues found in the regularisation program of residency in Epworth.
To all her fellow young women out there, Anna reminds them all that women are capable of so much more than they are given credit for. “It takes courage and a lot of hard work” Annah advices. She also encourages young women to aim high each and every time and never lose hope.
Anna’s leadership journey began in her formative years, and we are proud to see it grow to the local government level. She gained the confidence of her people from a young age as her constituency watched her grow into the young woman and strong leader she is today. TaLI continues to support Anna and hopes that she will continue to break the negative stereotypes around female leaders, and that she will push past the glass barriers constantly placed upon women.