Participate in upcoming local govt elections, women urged

DAR ES SALAAM: In a call to empower the next generation, Mr. Mathias Haule, Assistant Director of Child Development at the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children, urged girls nationwide to actively participate in the upcoming local government elections and seek leadership roles within their communities.

Speaking at an event organized by Plan International to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child, themed “Girls Take Over,” Mr. Haule emphasized that encouraging girls to pursue leadership is essential for developing future leaders.

He noted that this campaign, coinciding with the upcoming local and general elections, is crucial for promoting women’s leadership in the country.

“Leadership needs nurturing, and it’s vital for those in power to mentor young girls into these roles. The government is committed to empowering girls to take on leadership positions, even in schools,” he stated.

Observed annually on October 11, this year’s International Day of the Girl Child focuses on the national theme “Girls and Leadership: The Time is Now,” aimed at inspiring young girls to step into leadership roles and advocate for change.

Acting Director of Plan International, Ms. Jane Sembuche, highlighted that the event brought together over 40 girls from various regions who participated in a week-long mentorship program designed to equip them with leadership skills.

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She encouraged women to be bold and participate in the upcoming local elections, stressing that increased female representation in leadership can uplift and empower more women across the nation.

During the event, a representative of Plan International Director, Jackline Masechela, presented alarming statistics indicating that gender-based violence against girls increased by 25.8 percent in 2023 compared to the previous year.

She also noted that poverty in rural areas forces many young girls into early relationships and marriages due to a lack of reproductive health education.

Equally, she called on stakeholders to expand their efforts in rural areas, particularly in regions like Rukwa, to address these challenges and enable girls to pursue their dreams.