New TAMWA chair vows to champion women’s empowerment

DAR ES SALAAM: NEWLY elected Chairperson of the Tanzania Media Women’s Association (TAMWA), Dr Kaanaeli Kaale, has pledged to empower women and promote ethical journalism in the lead-up to this year’s General Election.

Dr Kaale, a Senior Lecturer at St Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), made the commitment shortly after winning the post during TAMWA’s Annual General Meeting held over the weekend.

She was declared winner of the election after collecting 58 per cent of votes, defeating seasoned media practitioner Asha Abinallah, who secured 42 per cent.

Dr Kaale, who also heads SAUT’s Department of Public Relations, emphasised the vital role of journalists in ensuring peaceful and fair elections while combating gender-based violence and discrimination.

“Let us strive to see women occupying top leadership and decision-making roles. TAMWA will continue to push toward the 50 per cent target for women’s representation,” she stated.

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She also outlined plans to harness digital technologies to increase access to information and inclusivity, particularly in underserved communities. Outgoing Chairperson Ms Joyce Shebe, who led TAMWA for six years, expressed pride in the association’s progress under her leadership.

Achievements during her tenure include the establishment of the Samia Kalamu Awards in collaboration with the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), celebration of TAMWA’s 36th anniversary, renovation of its headquarters in Sinza Mori, and the roll-out of several impactful development programmes.

Ms Shebe urged journalists to uphold professional ethics, especially during this critical election year. She also called on women to participate actively in politics by voting and vying for leadership positions.

“Our pen is a weapon for positive change. Let us use it wisely, bravely, and with patriotism,” she said, encouraging greater representation of women as experts and credible news sources to bolster national development.

Alongside Dr Kaale, the new TAMWA board was also elected to support the organisation’s mission.

The newly elected members are Dr Mary Kafyome, Lecturer at the University of Dodoma (UDOM), Ms Kulthum Ally, Senior Digital Journalist at Tanzania Standard Newspapers (TSN), Ms Asha Abdi, representing Zanzibar, Caroline Mdundo, Financial Advisor, Ms Annuciater Bulashi, Legal Advisor, and Dr Stella Ng’oma, Human Resources Advisor.

Meanwhile, the Tanzania Editors’ Forum (TEF) has congratulated Dr Kaale on her election, describing it as a testament to the confidence female journalists have in her strong and consistent contributions to the media industry.

In a statement issued on Sunday, TEF Chairperson Mr Deodatus Balile said the election result reflects Dr Kaale’s unwavering commitment to advancing journalism and women’s empowerment in Tanzania.

“Under her leadership, TAMWA will remain a powerful voice in championing gender equality, women’s rights, and the welfare of media professionals across the country,” the statement read in part.

TEF also reaffirmed its commitment to continued collaboration with TAMWA and extended its best wishes to Dr Kaale as she assumes her new responsibilities. The forum stressed the importance of unity among media stakeholders in upholding ethical journalism and promoting inclusive national development.

TEF lauded the outgoing Chairperson Ms Shebe for her exemplary leadership, which led to notable strides for TAMWA. The statement concluded with a prayer for continued progress and integrity within the Tanzanian media sector.