International Visitor Grantee to Promote Religious Tolerance

Ms. Amina Mlongoti, Chair of the Mangochi Muslim Womens Association, recently returned from the U.S. where she participated in the International Visitors Program “Leadership Development for Women.”  The program exposed participants to policies and programs that build leadership skills for women in the U.S.   During a debriefing session with the Public Affairs Officer, Ms. Mlongoti remarked that she "went to the U.S. with her eyes and ears closed," but she came back with a clear vision of the important role that women ought to play in social, political and economical development.  Ms. Mlongoti was very impressed with the level of religious tolerance in American society, which she saw through how people of diverse faiths and ethnic backgrounds were able to work together harmoniously to achieve common goals.

Ms. Mlongoti said that she plans to organize meetings aimed at sharing her U.S. experience with women in Mangochi and areas surrounding the district.    She indicated her main objective will be to encourage women in her organization to be more tolerant with women from other religious groups and work together for common objectives.