Meet the women rewriting procurement’s rules, style

THEY say the world is a man’s playground, a malecreated, male-dominated universe where women are often spectators rather than players. But seriously, who made that rule?

Because if you ask me, women are not just participating, they are rewriting the playbook, and it is happening fast. Look around! Women are no longer just sitting in the stands cheering. They are in mining sites, driving heavy machinery and even those shiny Porsche cars you see zooming by.

And if you think procurement is just paperwork and pens, think again, women are owning that space too, shaking up how goods and services get bought, shipped, and delivered. In fact, women are now the brains behind many institutions, making key decisions to hit those tough targets that keep companies and governments running.

And guess what? They are crushing it. So no, women do not need a special seat at the table, they are already at the head of it. But let us be honest: success does not just fall from the sky like manna in the desert. You have to knock hard, open doors, and sometimes wiggle through tiny windows to find your place. Recognising this, a game-changing new initiative was recently launched in Dar es Salaam called Women in Procurement and Supply Chain Tanzania (WIPSCT).

If you are wondering what that is, think of it as a superhero squad for women professionals, geared to conquer the procurement world. At the launch, the energetic crowd was treated to a pep talk by none other than Ms Zuhura Muro, Managing Director of Impact Leadership Academy.

She told the women gathered, “Ladies, wake up and use those multitasking superpowers you were born with! You have what it takes to be unstoppable in procurement.” She went on to say that the best gift anyone can give is knowledge because it is like a backpack you carry everywhere, no one can steal it, and it never runs out of batteries. For women in procurement, sharing this knowledge is crucial. It is about learning, supporting each other, and networking like your career depends on it because it does. Ms Muro didn’t sugarcoat it: “We live in a maledefault world.

You are working in systems built by men, for men.” The facts back her up: women make up 40 per cent of the global supply chain workforce but hold only 17 per cent of the leadership positions. In Tanzania, it is even more stark, out of 140,000 registered women professionals, only 105 hold leadership roles, roughly 10 per cent.

The playing field is far from level. So, what’s a woman to do? Ms Muro urged more visibility. She reminded everyone that challenges exist but said, “Don’t focus on the problems focus on the solutions, the positive light. This initiative is already changing the narrative.” She wasn’t alone in cheering for women’s rise.

Mr Godfrey Mbanyi, Executive Director of the Procurement and Supplies Professionals and Technicians Board (PSPTB), promised full support for WIPSCT, assuring the audience that backing from the Ministry of Finance was on the horizon. His advice? “Believe in yourself first you are capable.

With this new chapter, women will grow and reach new heights in procurement.” Joining the chorus, Mr Humphrey Simba, Director of ASNL Advisory Limited, explained why this focus is crucial.

“We talk a lot about women in parliament, or women-led businesses, but how often do we talk about women in corporate procurement? Companies spend 75 per cent of their operational budget on procurement, but less than 10 per cent goes to women-led businesses. And most procurement departments? Led by men. Women need a space, guidance, and empowerment here.” He added a key point: this is not about favouring women unfairly; it is about recognising a gap and levelling the playing field.

For many women, access to information is limited, data penetration is low, and without the right tools and networks, progress is slow. The launch was not just words or organisations like the International Finance Corporation (IFC), CRDB Bank, TANESCO, SAS Logistics Limited and Impact Leadership Academy all pitched in to make it happen.

Ms Anna Mushi from IFC highlighted the business case for empowering women in procurement: “Companies that engage women in their supply chains expand their markets, improve product quality and attract big investments. Women-led businesses are not just good for social justice, they are good for business.

Ladies, aim high and shine!” Then came a personal touch from Ms Ikunda Kishimbo, Head of Procurement at Stanbic Bank. She shared her story navigating the competitive procurement world and stressed: “Success doesn’t come from comfort zones. You’ve got what it takes, just keep pushing, despite the bumps.” She also gave a shout-out to Mr Simba, a former colleague who helped shape her procurement career with his expertise.

So, what’s the big deal about procurement anyway? Well, it is the engine behind every organisation’s operations buying materials, contracting services, managing supplies, it is how businesses and governments keep the lights on, schools open and hospitals running. Having women excel here means better decisions, more innovation and inclusive growth. And for Tanzanian women, this new initiative isn’t just about professional growth; it’s about breaking stereotypes, smashing glass ceilings and turning the old “men’s world” into a space where everyone can thrive.

The message from WIPSCT is loud and clear: Women aren’t waiting for permission. They’re claiming their space, sharing knowledge, networking fiercely and proving every day that gender is no barrier to excellence.

And if you ever doubt it, just look at the numbers and stories from this launch event. Behind every smart procurement deal, every successful project and every empowered woman in the room, there’s a revolution quietly reshaping Tanzania’s professional landscape. So, to all the women out there ready to step up suit up, show up, and let the procurement world know: the future is female, one contract at a time