Z’bar minister urges women to seize leadership opportunities

ZANZIBAR: Zanzibar Minister for Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Ms Riziki Pembe Juma, has called on women to actively pursue leadership roles and capitalise on emerging opportunities across various sectors.

Speaking at the Women Leadership Forum organised by the Uongozi Institute in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Ms Juma urged women to embrace the Swahili proverb “Fursa kunyati nyati” which translates to “seize the opportunity” and actively pursue leadership roles.

“Opportunities never come twice,” said the minister as she encouraged participants to grab opportunities, develop their leadership skills and break down barriers that have traditionally limited women’s advancement.

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She emphasised that by doing so, women could unlock their potential and contribute significantly to the development of their communities and the nation at large.

The forum marked the launch of the six-month Women’s Leadership Programme, which aims to equip 100 women in mid- and senior-level positions across various sectors with the tools and knowledge necessary to excel in leadership roles.

Participants hail from Tanzania and 10 other African countries, including Malawi, Zambia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Cameroon, Mozambique, South Africa and Botswana.

The programme, which provides fully-funded scholarships, is designed to foster leadership development and enhance women’s capacity to take on key decision-making roles in their respective countries.

Ms Juma praised the European Union and the Finnish government for partnering with the Tanzanian government to provide financial support for the programme.

She said Tanzania has made significant strides in women’s leadership with several women holding ministerial positions but expressed concern that most of these women were overseeing social sectors.

Minister Juma called for more women to be appointed to top leadership roles in other sectors, such as finance, technology and industry.

She pointed to Zanzibar as a standout example of female leadership, noting Saada Mkuya Salum’s effective role as Minister for Finance.

The Minister said Ms Salum as Finance Minister demonstrates that women are capable of holding top leadership positions in traditionally male-dominated fields.

She encouraged participants to challenge gender stereotypes and pursue their ambitions.

The Minister said with President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the helm, Tanzania stands as a powerful example of women in leadership, offering an inspiring role model for future generations.

The UN Women Country Representative, Hodan Addou reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to advancing gender equality in Tanzania.

Ms Addou said UN Women was involved in building women’s leadership capacity in governance and businesses.

She emphasised the importance of empowering women and breaking down barriers that have traditionally limited their access to leadership positions.

She praised the Uongozi Institute for its efforts to foster transformative women’s leadership in Africa.

The Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation in Tanzania, Mr Marc Stalmans, emphasised the immense importance of the Women Leadership Forum and programme for the future of the country.

He said women leaders play critical role in diverse sectors, including businesses and the economy. Mr Stalmans praised Tanzania for having a strong example of women’s leadership in President Samia.