ZANZIBAR Second Vice-President (2VP) Hemed Suleiman Abdulla has said that both Zanzibar and the Union governments are gaining pace in gender equality, controlling maternal mortality, and eradicating poverty.
“Both governments are fully committed to ensuring safe birth for all mothers, gender equality, poverty eradication and making the country an inclusive nation,” said Mr Abdulla at the ‘Dr Ali Mohamed Shein Hall, Tunguu where people gathered to mark the World Population Day.
World Population Day (WPD) is observed annually on July 11th. This year’s day was observed under the theme ‘Unleashing the Power of Gender Equality: Uplifting the Voices of Women and Girls to Unlock Our World’s Infinite Possibilities’.
It is an international observance established by the United Nations (UN) to raise awareness about population issues and their impact on various aspects of human life and development.
The day serves as an opportunity to highlight the importance of reproductive health, gender equality, poverty eradication and sustainable development.
On this day, numerous events, seminars, workshops and campaigns are organised globally to promote awareness, knowledge sharing and collaboration in achieving sustainable population growth and development.
The activities aim to engage individuals, communities, organisations and governments in addressing population challenges and working toward solutions.
Second Vice-President of Zanzibar- Mr Abdulla said different measures are being taken to create and expand opportunities for women and girls and that policy and law reforms are implemented as directed in the 2020/2025 ruling CCM manifesto.
Measures have resulted in an increase in number of women at various levels of leadership, including the House of Representatives, Parliament and the cabinet, providing opportunities for women to use skills and their knowledge to participate fully in development and decision making.
“Zanzibar government’s decision to establish a special ministry for Social Development, Gender, Elderly and Children and the Ministry of Social Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups in the mainland, aim to ensure the well-being of women and girls,” Mr Hemed said.
The 2VP informed the gathering that the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar led by President Hussein Mwinyi has been improving the learning environment, specifically by constructing modern schools with storey buildings and hostels, aiming at ensuring girls live and learn in a better environment.
“The government in collaboration with various development partners has also been able to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths, and in achieving these goals, all health facilities and hospitals in the country will have better infrastructure and equipment,” he emphasized.
Mr Abdulla thanked organisers of the event to commemorate the day, acknowledging the contribution of all officers behind the successful country’s Population and Housing Census in August last year, which has helped the governments and its planners to understand population growth and challenges.