Renowned gender rights activist Maggie Kathewera Banda has backed veteran politician Patricia Kaliati’s expression of interest to contest for the UTM party’s presidency seat at its next month’s convention, saying it shows that women are empowered enough to take up high level leading roles.

Banda, who is also Executive Director for the Women Legal Resources Centre (WORLEC) was speaking to YFM in reaction to Kaliati’s announcement through her social media platform.

Banda said Kaliati has the right to contest for the position and has shown her capabilities by still holding the party together after the demise of its founder and leader, late Saulos Chilima in a tragic plane crash.

She has therefore cautioned all criticisms making rounds on social media saying they are capable of demoralizing her and defeating the sole purpose of women empowerment advocacy.