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MARYAM ISMAIL ALI: A GRASSROOTS LEADER RISING FOR WOMEN

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By Nusra Shaaban, @@@@

IN  2015, Maryam Ismail Ali made her first attempt at politics, vying for a parliamentary seat in the Dimani constituency under the Demokrasia Makini party.

 

She did not win, but the experience marked the beginning of her political journey.

 

In 2020, she paused her ambitions to embrace motherhood. Now, in 2025, as a mother of two children at 38 years old, Maryam returns with renewed determination, this time contesting for the Tunguu constituency under the NLD party.

 

For her, politics is not just about power; it is about representing ordinary citizens, especially women and youth, who are often excluded from decision-making spaces.

 

Fighting Political Barriers

 

Maryam is contesting under a small party with limited resources. Unlike the big political parties that enjoy government subsidies, the NLD does not receive public funding because it has no parliamentary representation. This makes campaigning an uphill task, especially for women who lack financial backing.

 

“Our party doesn’t have campaign vehicles or allowances like the bigger ones. But I still stand. I believe women should be considered, even through measures like waiving nomination form fees,” she suggested.

 

Despite the financial constraints, Maryam insists her campaign will be people-centered.

 

With Tunguu’s 15 wards to cover, she plans to go door-to-door, directly engaging with women’s groups, youth associations, and families.

 

“This is people-powered politics, relying more on commitment than cash,” she emphasized.

 

A Grassroots Connection

 

Maryam’s strength lies in her deep connection to the community. Born and raised in Tunguu, she grew up witnessing the daily struggles of ordinary citizens.

 

These experiences shaped her into a grounded leader who believes real change begins at the grassroots  in women’s groups, market stalls, salons, and the hearts of discouraged voters.

 

“To me, Tunguu is home. I know the challenges here, and I know what needs to be done. I’m not afraid of hard work, this is my life,” she said confidently.

 

Life Behind Politics

 

Before politics, Maryam was a self-reliant entrepreneur. She owns and runs a beauty salon near Jumbi (Bango la Skuli) where she employs three women.

 

 She also traded in clothes and shoes, ventures that allowed her to support her family.

 

Now a widow, her business has been her anchor. “My entrepreneurship is the foundation of my life. Through business, I’ve managed to own my own salon, and I currently employ three women. I’m proud of this because I’m creating employment for others,” she said.

 


Although politics consumes much of her time, her salon continues to operate under careful management. For her, entrepreneurship was not just a source of income but an informal classroom where she learned resilience, communication, and the importance of women having a voice.

 

A Voice for Women

 

Maryam believes her business journey exposed her to the struggles of women, from lack of capital and recognition to exclusion from leadership spaces.

 

“I saw the pain of fellow women and knew that just sitting on the sidelines wasn’t a solution. I had to enter politics to speak on their behalf,” she explained.

 

She also believes her hands-on skills in beauty and bridal work can be scaled into empowerment programs.

 

“When I look at myself today, owning a salon and employing three women, I know this is just a small example of what’s possible.

 

As an MP, I’ll ensure every ward in Tunguu has a center or program that trains such skills so people can be self-reliant,” she promised.

 

In Tunguu, Maryam is more than just a candidate; she is a familiar face. From her business days to her current campaign, she is known for humility and accessibility.

 

Fatma Juma Ali, a resident of Tunguu, described her as “a mother, a sister, and now also a leader we rely on.”

 

To many, she represents a woman who doesn’t wait to be carried by the system but pushes the system forward for the benefit of all.

 

Recognition Beyond Tunguu

 

Even fellow politicians recognize her courage. Hassan Hamad Kombo, an NLD candidate in Jangombe, described her as fearless and hardworking.

 

“You know, Maryam is one of the candidates who truly works hard. Personally, I see her as a sister in the struggle. She uses people power, not money. That deserves deep respect,” he said.

 

Such recognition highlights the impact Maryam is making in a competitive political environment where money and influence often overshadow ethics and service.

 

Maryam’s leadership style is rooted in attentiveness, life experience, and genuine service.

 

She is not armed with elite academic degrees, her education ended at secondary school, but she carries the lessons of life and entrepreneurship into her politics.

 

She acknowledges that many women lack the support she has received from her family.

 

“The government needs to create more enabling environments for women,” she emphasized, pointing to childcare, funding, and opportunities as critical areas.

 

For Maryam, politics is not just for the wealthy or the well-connected. “Politics is for those with vision and genuine intention. I am one of them,” she declared.

 

In this election year, Maryam Ismail Ali represents a grassroots leader with a real-life story, a spirit of service, and a dream that resonates with the everyday citizen.

 

She is rising not because of money or big platforms, but because of resilience, authenticity, and her ability to connect with women and youth at the heart of the community.

 

As one Tunguu voter put it, Maryam is not just running for office , she is running for the people.

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