Migiro makes history at the helm of CCM

DAR ES SALAAM: WITH decades of experience in law, diplomacy, and global leadership, Dr Asha-Rose Migiro now takes on a historic role as CCM’s first woman Secretary General.

This milestone appointment is not only a triumph for Dr Migiro but also a moment of national pride, showcasing the steady progress of women in leadership within Tanzania’s most powerful political party.

For the first time in its history, CCM has entrusted the position of Secretary General to a woman. While President Samia Suluhu Hassan already made history as the party’s first woman Chairperson, Dr Migiro’s appointment marks another groundbreaking milestone, further expanding women’s presence at the very top of the party’s leadership.

Dr Migiro’s story is one of determination, intellect, and an unwavering commitment to public service.

Born in Songea, Ruvuma Region, she embarked on her academic journey at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), where she earned both her Bachelor of Laws (LL. B)

and Master of Laws (LL.M). Her pursuit of knowledge and excellence took her further to the University of Konstanz in Germany, where she completed a Ph.D. in Law in 1992. Upon her return to Tanzania, she dedicated herself to academia, rising to the rank of senior lecturer at the UDSM’s Faculty of Law.

Between 1992 and 1997 she headed the Department of Constitution and Administrative Law, before later leading the Department of Civil and Criminal Law. Her academic career not only shaped her expertise in governance and constitutional issues but also established her as a respected voice in Tanzania’s legal and educational circles.

Her entry into the political arena was marked by her appointment in 2000 as Minister of Community Development, Gender and Children’s Affairs. In this role, Dr Migiro placed women and children at the centre of national development, advocating for gender equality and social welfare reforms.

She championed initiatives that gave women a stronger voice in society and highlighted the importance of child protection and empowerment at a time when these issues were often sidelined in mainstream politics.

Her performance in this ministry earned her recognition as a strong leader with the ability to drive change and stand firm on issues that mattered to the most vulnerable.

In January 2006, her career took another historic turn when she was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, becoming the first woman in Tanzania’s history to hold this critical portfolio.

Her leadership in this ministry was transformative. She oversaw the strengthening of Tanzania’s diplomatic relations and represented the nation on the regional and international stage with confidence and integrity.

Her ability to navigate complex diplomatic terrain and maintain Tanzania’s respected position in global affairs did not go unnoticed. It was this very reputation that caught the attention of international leaders and opened the door to one of her most remarkable achievements.

In February 2007, Dr Migiro was appointed by then United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon as Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, making her not only the first Tanzanian but also one of the very few Africans to hold the second highest position in the UN system.

She served in this role until 2012, overseeing key reforms within the global body and playing an instrumental part in promoting peace, development, and human rights worldwide.

Her tenure at the UN gave her a global platform to champion issues close to her heart, particularly gender equality and the empowerment of women.

She was widely admired for her diplomacy, humility, and ability to bring people together across divides to achieve common goals.

Following her tenure as Deputy Secretary General, she continued serving the UN as the Special Envoy for HIV/ AIDS in Africa, a role through which she worked tirelessly to address the health crisis affecting millions across the continent and to advocate for improved healthcare systems and policies.

Back home, Dr Migiro’s service did not end. In 2014, she was appointed Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, a position that once again drew upon her deep expertise in law and governance.

In this role she worked on strengthening justice systems, promoting constitutionalism, and ensuring that Tanzania’s legal framework could serve the needs of all its citizens fairly.

She later continued her career in diplomacy, serving as Tanzania’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 2016 to 2023. In London she represented her nation with distinction, promoting bilateral cooperation and showcasing Tanzania as a partner ready to engage the world with confidence.

Now, with her appointment as CCM’s Secretary General in 2025, Dr Migiro has returned to the very core of Tanzania’s political power.

The Secretary General is a key figure in shaping party policies, coordinating strategy, and ensuring the effective implementation of party decisions.

By entrusting her with this role, CCM has demonstrated not only its confidence in her vast experience but also its readiness to break new ground in promoting women leaders at the highest echelons of power.

Her appointment is symbolic of the strides that women in Tanzania have made in politics, from participating as voters and activists to now shaping the very machinery of governance.

For Tanzanian women and girls, Dr Migiro’s elevation is a powerful reminder that barriers can be broken and glass ceilings can be shattered.

Her journey from the classrooms of Dar es Salaam to the halls of the United Nations and now to the leadership of CCM illustrates what dedication, vision, and resilience can achieve.

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She embodies the qualities of a leader who is not only skilled but also deeply committed to service, both at home and on the international stage.

As she assumes her new role, expectations are high that Dr Migiro will bring her wealth of experience to strengthen the ruling party’s unity, broaden its vision, and prepare it to meet the aspirations of Tanzanians in a rapidly changing world.

Her presence at the helm is also likely to inspire a new generation of young women to step forward into politics, governance, and diplomacy, knowing that the path has already been paved by one of their own.