‘Break barriers for women’

SERENGETI: CCM presidential candidate Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan has called on Tanzanians to move beyond outdated traditions and customs that hinder women from taking on leadership roles, emphasising that both men and women are equally gifted by God to serve the nation and contribute to its development.

Addressing a campaign rally in Serengeti District in Mara Region, her first visit to the area since 2010, Dr Samia said she was aware that some people questioned CCM’s decision to field a woman for the constituency’s parliamentary seat, arguing that local traditions do not favour female leaders.

“I have heard such remarks, but let me remind you that God did not create men and women with different brains. He gave us all the same ability to think and to lead,” she said, urging residents to embrace unity and equality.

She stressed that leadership capacity is determined by performance, not gender, calling for mutual respect among citizens as Tanzania continues its journey of nation building.

“On development matters there is no man or woman. I am standing here as President of the United Republic of Tanzania. In four years, I have achieved many things. If women were incapable, I would not have done all this,” she said to applause.

Dr Samia added that women are often more diligent and accountable because they fear failing those who trust them with responsibility.

“Women are faithful and action-driven. That sense of fear of failure makes them strong performers,” she said.

She reminded residents that both men and women contribute to the country’s security and progress.

“Our doctors, teachers and soldiers inc lude both men and women. When you go to hospital, you do not refuse to be treated by a woman doctor. Even our armed forces have women who protect this country with courage and Tanzania remains safe,” she said.

Turning to development priorities, Dr Samia described Serengeti as a strategic tourism hub surrounded by national parks that consistently earn international awards.

She pledged to construct an airstrip at Mugumu to allow tourists to land directly in the district and boost the local economy.

“In the next five years, if re-elected, our goal is to expand tourism and reach eight million visitors annually by 2030, as outlined in the CCM manifesto. Serengeti will play a key role in that goal,” she said.

The CCM flag-bearer said her government will complete all ongoing projects under the new manifesto and continue empowering citizens economically through schemes such as TACTIC, which builds markets and bus terminals to create jobs nationwide.

She added that 10 per cent development loans for women, youth and persons with disabilities will remain a central tool for economic inclusion.

“We will also formalise small businesses so that ordinary traders can benefit from government opportunities. Education will continue to be free from primary to A-level to give every child an equal chance,” she said.

Dr Samia emphasised that CCM has a long record of experience and capacity to lead Tanzania through change without jeopardising peace and unity.

“Governing a country is not an experiment. You entrust power to those who have shown they can deliver. CCM has done that for decades and will continue to safeguard stability,” she said.

Earlier, Serengeti parliamentary candidate Mary Daniel thanked Dr Samia for championing women’s leadership and improving social services in the district.

“Under your leadership, more girls who dropped out due to pregnancy have returned to school. We have new dispensaries, medical equipment and hostels for students with special needs,” she said.

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She added that Serengeti is among the 28 urban centres slated to benefit from major water supply projects and called for an upgraded airstrip and better roads to boost tourism and trade.

“We will vote overwhelmingly for CCM on October 29 because President Samia has proved that women can lead and deliver,” she said.