PM: Integrate census findings in empowering women

MWANZA: THE Prime Minister, Mr Kassim Majaliwa has urged stakeholders undertaking intervention in elevating women’s participation in the economy to integrate the 2022 Population and Housing Census’ findings in planning and strategising their empowerment programmes.

More significantly, Mr Majaliwa underlined the significance of the stakeholders to align their interventions with the government’s priorities for women empowerment.

Speaking over the weekend in Mwanza at the awards handing over ceremony dubbed “Tuzo za Malkia wa Nguvu” translated as “Super Queen Awards 2024,” he noted that full utilisation of the census’ statistics will enable the stakeholders to identify the number of women, location and their requirements.

The event which was organised by a local broadcasting media honoured the contribution of various women among other business and innovation in the country. To support women entrepreneurs, Mr Majaliwa said from July this year, the government will issue procedures for lending women, youths and people with disability under the 10 per cent councils’ revenue targeting stimulating economic inclusivity.

“I urge all women, groups of youths and people with disability to adhere to all guidelines which will be issued. However, bear it in mind that the fund which will be provided is a loan necessitating every beneficiary to repay,” he pointed out.

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He said the government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been prioritising economic empowerment to all special groups including women.

In another development, Mr Majaliwa noted that in the ongoing 2023/2024 Fiscal Year alone the government allocated 18.5bn/- for lending to all eligible special groups including women who run small businesses.

“The government provides soft loans at single digit interest which is seven per cent,” he said.

Mr Majaliwa said the government entered into an agreement with NMB bank to coordinate the lending process. He appreciated all the organisers of the Super Queen Awards as their iconic event has been acting as the catalyst for women to improve productivity and creativity which grow their business.

Mr Majaliwa said, he is aware that one of the key objectives of the Super Queen Awards is to unlock employment opportunities.

He commended the organiser for supporting the government efforts in creating jobs. In that regard, he urged women to tap various emerging economic opportunities available in the country, including those under the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy.

He said under the strategy women can invest their capital in the entire clean cooking value chain for example by selling gas cylinders and electric stoves.

Also, he urged women to identify the blue economy and digital economy opportunities. Currently, he said he was pleased with the number of women using digital platforms including instagram, WhatsApp, telegram, tiktok and Facebook to trade.

Erlier, Chaiperson of the Super Queen Awards, Mr Liliane Masuka said the awards intended on diversifying and growing women’s businesses and fostering their positive impacts in the country.