Govt commits to women empowerment
LINDI: PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa said yesterday that the government recognises the critical importance of promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment as essential drivers for enhancing well-being and achieving inclusive, sustainable development.
He said the government’s goal is to ensure all Tanzanians, regardless of gender, live in unity and solidarity, with equal access to basic services in all sectors, including legal rights, education, healthcare, economic opportunities and decision-making roles.
The Prime Minister was speaking to the public at the Southern Zone Women’s Conference at Maegesho Grounds in Nachingwea, Lindi.
The event forms part of activities leading -up to the national International Women’s Day celebrations, which is scheduled to take place tomorrow in Arusha.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to women’s economic participation, the Premier noted that the government continues to allocate 10 per cent of domestic revenue in district councils to provide loans to women, youths and people with disabilities, thus enabling women to fully engage in economic activities.
He explained that the loans have empowered women to implement projects that not only boost their individual incomes but also contribute to the national economy.
Mr Majaliwa also encouraged women to continue supporting and motivating one another to take full advantage of loan services specifically designed for them, thereby improving their economic standing.
He advised them to approach local banks offering the loans, secure financing under favourable conditions and ensure timely repayment to allow others to benefit. Moreover, the Premier directed all regions across the country to develop strategies and action plans for implementing the 2025 International Women’s Day resolutions, which will serve as a foundation for evaluating progress over the next five years.
Earlier, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development, Gender and Special Groups, Amon Mpanju, stressed that women are a vital pillar and catalyst for development at both the family and national levels.
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He encouraged women to actively participate in the upcoming general elections later this year, urging them to step forward vie for elective posts in order to be part of the decision-making process.
Meanwhile, Minister for Defence and National Service, Dr Stergomena Tax said that President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan has effectively implemented the Beijing Declaration on women’s and gender rights by creating opportunities for women to hold leadership and decision-making positions across various sectors.
She stressed that the Head of State has empowered women by ensuring the implementation of development projects, particularly those directly impacting women’s daily lives, while also providing significant opportunities for women’s economic empowerment.
Dr Tax was speaking during the opening of the Northern Region Women’s Conference in Arusha, themed ‘Women’s Participation in Tourism and Natural Resources,’ in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration.
“Tanzania has made significant strides in achieving the goals set at the Beijing Summit. We are proud to have a female President who has taken bold and decisive actions to empower women and ensure they occupy key leadership and decision-making roles,” she said.
She further urged women to fully seize the opportunities available to them and demonstrate their capabilities.
The conference also addressed important issues such as gender-based violence, the role of the Natural Resources and Tourism sectors in women’s development and the ongoing achievements of the Beijing Declaration in advancing gender equality in Tanzania
