IWD 2025: Minister stresses women’s role in economic growth

ZANZIBAR: THE Minister for Community Development, Elderly, Gender and Children, Ms Riziki Pembe Juma, has stressed the crucial role women play in creating economic opportunities and driving national development.

Speaking to journalists about Zanzibar’s preparations for International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, Ms Riziki underscored the vast contributions of women to society.

The minister underlined the need for continued efforts to support women’s empowerment, ensuring they have the resources, education and opportunities to contribute effectively to economic growth.

She noted that the occasion provides an important platform for women from various regions to connect, share experiences and discuss strategies to overcome the challenges they face.

The theme for IWD 2025, “Accelerate Action to Collectively Forge a More Inclusive World for Women,” focuses on issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights and the fight against violence and abuse against women.

The minister stated that while progress has been made in advancing women’s rights, more needs to be done to address the inequalities that persist in different sectors, including employment, leadership and access to financial resources.

“The celebrations also provide an opportunity to evaluate ongoing efforts by the government and development stakeholders in combating gender-based violence and exploitation.

Additionally, they encourage collective action to develop new strategies to address these issues,” Ms Riziki stated during a briefing at her office.

In the lead-up to the celebrations, the Ministry has organised a series of activities aimed at fostering women’s economic empowerment.

These include entrepreneurship training sessions to equip women with the skills and knowledge necessary to start and expand businesses, an exhibition for entrepreneurs at Mapinduzi Square Grounds, radio and TV programmes to raise awareness about gender equality and the launch of a guideline for establishing women’s empowerment platforms.

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Ms Riziki emphasised that the ministry will unveil women’s economic empowerment platforms and conduct extensive awareness sessions on combating gender-based violence and exploitation.

She called on all stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organisations and the private sector, to actively participate in these initiatives to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women. International Women’s Day is globally celebrated on March 8 each year.

However, due to scheduling considerations, Zanzibar’s official celebrations will take place on March 6 at the Dimani-Nyamanzi Exhibition Grounds.

The event will be attended by Zanzibar’s President and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr Hussein Ali Hassan Mwinyi, who will serve as the chief guest.

The minister urged the public to turn out in large numbers to show their support for women, emphasising that empowering women strengthens the nation’s economic resilience and independence.

She noted that when women are given equal opportunities and resources, they can significantly contribute to national development, poverty reduction and social progress.

She further stated that IWD 2025 is not just a day of celebration but also a call to action—a moment to reflect on the achievements made so far and to commit to furthering the rights and opportunities of women in Zanzibar and beyond.

The minister further expressed her gratitude to all organisations and individuals working towards gender equality, urging continued collaboration in making Zanzibar a place where women can thrive and lead in various sectors.