Organisations urged to invest in women development

ZANZIBAR: WOMEN’s rights defenders and other stakeholders have been urged to continue investing in women by removing all barriers that stop them from venturing into social, political and economic development.

The call was made by the Zanzibar Minister for Social Development, Elders, Gender and Children Ms Riziki Pembe Juma at the climax of the International Women’s Day (IWD) held at the entertainment ground in Kiungani village, Makunduchi, Unguja South Region.

She said that despite the success achieved, majority of women still continue to face various challenges in life including poverty, sexual violence and other forms of harassment, which in one way or another undermine their efforts to achieve social, political and economic development.

Ms Juma said “Invest in women to overcome the challenges. Empowering women is promoting the dignity and value of women in the community and the nation as a whole.”

Investing in women means equipping them with the resources and opportunities to promote their personal and economic growth, fulfillment, and empowerment.

Speaking about ‘International Women’s Day 2024 theme ‘Invest In Women: Accelerate Progress,’ the Minister said it is in line with the government’s objectives in strengthening gender equality and opening opportunities to women so that they can contribute more to their country’s development.

The gathering was another opportunity for the Minister to raise voices that call on law enforcers in collaboration with members of the community, for more measures/or actions to end or reduce abuse and economic discrimination against women.

“If we work together, we can make positive changes for all women including making Zanzibar free from sexual violence,” Ms Riziki said as the Unguja South Region’s ‘Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS) Ms Radhia Rashid Haroub said that her region has been taking various efforts make women progress.

Speaking on behalf of UN Women, the UN Area Coordinator – Zanzibar, Ms Dorothy Temu-Usiri underlined that IWD remains important because it focuses on evaluating successes and challenges women face so that right solutions can be found.

She promised to continue cooperating with the Zanzibar government in expanding the scope to raise women by removing all legal and other uncalled-for taboos, “We want to see gender equality in life on earth.”