For all women and girls: Rights, equality and empowerment

DAR ES SALAAM: THIRTY years ago, the world came together in Beijing to shape a bold vision: a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a lived reality.

As we commemorate this International Women’s Day, marking the anniversary of that historic commitment, we recognise both the significant progress made for women and girls and the challenges that persist.

Since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 1995, Tanzania has made remarkable strides in advancing women’s and girls’ rights.

More girls than ever are enrolling and staying in school, maternal health has significantly improved and access to HIV prevention and treatment services for women and girls has expanded.

Women’s economic participation is growing, with increasing access to financial inclusion, entrepreneurship opportunities and formal employment.

Efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence have been strengthened. More women are leading in innovation and entrepreneurship, driving startups, shaping emerging industries and advancing technological solutions.

Furthermore, women’s leadership in government, business and diplomacy continues to expand, with a woman leading the nation as a powerful symbol of progress. These achievements are a testament to the collective efforts and unwavering commitment to gender equality.

However, despite these advances, persistent barriers remain.

Gender-based violence, gender discrimination and unequal access to resources and opportunities continue to hinder the full realisation of women’s rights.

Moreover, women and girls in rural areas, those living with disabilities and those from marginalised communities often face compounded challenges that require targeted interventions.

Today, we stand at a defining moment, one where we can become the first generation to achieve gender equality and ensure that no woman or girl is left behind.

To do so, we must accelerate progress and deepen our commitment to gender-transformative action.

It is not enough to simply achieve incremental change; we need to think and act boldly to dismantle systemic barriers and empower women and girls in every aspect of life.

Investing in girls’ education and women’s economic empowerment is not just about fairness, although that by itself is a worthy cause as any; these investments are powerful catalysts for national growth and prosperity.

Equipping women and girls with the skills they need to thrive, particularly digital skills and access to technology, will unlock new opportunities in the digital economy, enabling them to contribute more meaningfully to economic growth.

Digital literacy is a critical tool for breaking down barriers to entry in sectors such as finance, e-commerce and technology, all of which are key to Tanzania’s development in the coming decades.

Women’s financial inclusion has been a key area of focus and we are seeing positive developments. From mobile banking platforms to women-centric entrepreneurship initiatives, there are increasing opportunities for women to gain economic independence.

As women lead and thrive in the business sector, they not only uplift themselves but also positively impact entire communities.

Empowering women to manage and grow businesses also creates new jobs, contributes to a more resilient economy and fosters innovation.

Strengthening prevention and response mechanisms to gender-based violence is equally critical, ensuring that every woman, girl and boy can live free from fear and harm.

In recent years, Tanzania has made strides in combating violence against women and girls, with new laws and policies aimed at protecting victims and holding perpetrators account- able.

However, much more needs to be done to change societal attitudes and ensure that survivors receive the support they need to rebuild their lives.

Community-based interventions, access to justice and support services must be strengthened to create a society where gender-based violence is no longer tolerated. Moreover, expanding women’s leadership in decision-making will lead to more inclusive and representative policies that drive sustainable development for the benefit of all.

Having more women at the helm of governance, business and civil society organisations ensures that the voices of half the population are heard and reflected in policies.

Women’s leadership in public life is a symbol of empowerment and a demonstration of what is possible when gender equality is prioritised.

As Tanzania and the world confront the challenges of climate change, women and girls must be at the forefront of solutions, leading efforts in sustainability, conservation and environmental resilience.

Women, particularly those in rural areas, are the primary caregivers and natural resource managers, which makes them key agents of change in addressing climate issues.

Yet, despite their critical role, women are often excluded from decision-making processes related to climate action. This needs to change.

A key initiative in this effort is Tanzania’s Clean Cooking Initiative, which aims to expand access to clean cooking solutions, reducing dependence on traditional fuels, improving health outcomes, empowering women economically and contributing to lower carbon emissions.

The programme seeks to provide sustainable cooking technologies that improve air quality, reduce health risks associated with traditional cooking methods and save time for women and girls who are often responsible for collecting firewood.

In addition to the Clean Cooking Initiative, women are also leading the charge in renewable energy, with many womenowned businesses working to promote solar energy solutions in remote areas.

These grassroots efforts are not only tackling climate change but also empowering women to become entrepreneurs and change-makers in their communities.

Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050 (TDV 2050) sets an ambitious course for sustainable economic growth, technological transformation and human development.

Achieving this vision requires placing gender equality at the centre of national development efforts.

This demands bold, systemic change that redefines social and economic norms, ensuring that women and girls have equal opportunities, agency and access to resources.

By empowering women and girls as entrepreneurs, leaders and change makers, Tanzania will build an inclusive, knowledge-based economy where no one is left behind.

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The future of Tanzania and indeed the future of the world, depends on the full participation of women and girls in every aspect of life.

From education to economic empowerment, from health to governance, gender equality must be a key driver of national development.

By removing barriers to equality, we create stronger families, more resilient economies and thriving communities.

As we continue working toward gender equality, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action remains the most transformative global framework for achieving women’s rights.

The goal remains unchanged: to ensure that every individual, regardless of gender, including forcibly displaced persons, has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

The Beijing Platform set out critical actions to be taken across 12 critical areas, including education, health, economy, political participation and violence against women.

The work set out in this framework continues to be relevant today as we strive to eliminate the barriers that prevent women and girls from realising their full potential.

The progress made in the last three decades must be celebrated, but we must also acknowledge that the journey is far from over.

Women and girls still face significant challenges, particularly in marginalised communities.

Achieving gender equality is a collective effort that requires sustained commitment from governments, civil society, the private sector and individuals. On this International Women’s Day and every day, the UN system in Tanzania stands proudly alongside the government and all stakeholders in driving progress.

We are committed to turning ambition into sustained change through stronger partnerships, increased investment and bold action.

We look forward to continuing our collective efforts to fully realise the vision of the Beijing Declaration, championing rights, equality and empowerment for all women and girls.

By ensuring that women and girls have equal access to education, economic opportunities, health services and leadership roles, we will create a brighter, more sustainable future for Tanzania and the world.

Let us continue to work together to build a world where gender equality is not just a dream, but a reality for every woman and girl.