Tanzania committed to achieving gender equality, empowering women

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA government has reiterated its commitment to implementing international resolutions and the Millennium Development Goals aimed at promoting gender equality.

The government is also overseeing the implementation of the 2023 National Gender and Women’s Development Policy, by implementing gender equality measures that give women opportunities to showcase their talents in society.

The statement was made by the Deputy Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Mwanaidi Ali Khamis, during the award presentation ceremony organised by the Women in Management Africa (WIMA) for women leaders from within and outside Tanzania held in Dar es Salaam.

The Women in Management Africa Awards recognised 25 experienced women leaders from Africa at a ceremony held in Dar es Salaam over the weekend.

Mwanaidi said statistics show that the number of women in leadership and decision-making positions in the public and private sectors is increasing.

She said available information shows that the number of female ministers in the Union government has increased from 15 per cent in 2005 to 36 per cent in 2022.

Similarly, female Members of Parliament have increased from 22 per cent in 2015 to 37 per cent in 2022.

“There is also a clear increase in the number of women in leadership positions in ambassadorial positions. In 2005, female ambassadors were 3 per cent, but now the number has increased to 21.4 per cent in 2022. Tanzania has continued to trust women who have been given leadership positions in the public and private sectors,” the deputy minister said.

In addition to presenting the awards, Mwanaidi commended WIMA for its efforts in maintaining a network that supports women in their journey to leadership in public and private institutions.

She said the WIMA continued to uphold a strong stance in recognising and celebrating the significant achievements of women leaders who have made significant contributions to their fields and communities.

“For the past five years, these awards have been a beacon of empowerment, fostering empowerment and advocating for gender equality and inclusion across Africa,” she said.

Speaking at the event, Dr Naike Moshi, Founder and CEO of Women in Management Africa, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to strengthening gender parity and representation in boards and leadership positions, in line with international standards for sustainable business practices and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2030), particularly Goals 5 and 10.

“Today, we celebrate the achievements of women leaders, particularly highlighting the historic presidency of Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan. Dr Samia’s rise to the presidency is a significant historical milestone, as she became the first female president, inspiring countless individuals with her unwavering dedication to public service and advocacy for women’s inclusion in decision-making processes.

“Her leadership underscores the immense potential of women in positions of power, serving as a powerful example for future generations. We also recognise the enduring contributions of women throughout history and reaffirm our commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment globally,” said Dr Naike.

The WIMA is a powerful platform for recognising and celebrating the achievements of women leaders who are making a difference in their communities and across Africa. The awards inspire and motivate other women to pursue leadership.

The 25 outstanding awardees honoured at this year’s WIMA gala event include; Anagha Bhattbhatt, Brenda Deborah Shuma, Caroline Mohoni, Doreen Mangesho, Dr Aisa Muya, Ebonie Mbeteni, Eng Fatuma Mwamba, Gloria Kahamba, Grace Gathuri, Ilona Felten, Jamila AL Nofly- Tanzania, Naomi Serbantez – Tanzania, Rahma Abdullahtif Musoke, Rita Moses Mbeba, Tumaini Kivuyo and Siza Mkoma (all from Tanzania).

Carlotta Dal Lago (Kenya), Dr Tia Murry, Reanne Olivier and Prof. Linda Mhando (USA) Mamela Luthuli and Penny Mkhize (South Africa), Rewa Udoji (Nigeria), Sarah Kabil (Egypt) and Stella Keshubi (Uganda