DAR ES SALAAM: President Samia Suluhu Hassan is set to be the chief guest at the national celebration of International Women’s Day, scheduled for March 8 in Arusha.
The announcement was made over the weekend by the Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups, Dr. Dorothy Gwajima, during a press briefing in Dar es Salaam, where she outlined key activities leading up to the event under the theme: ”Women and Girls: Strengthening Equality, Rights, and Empowerment.”
Dr. Gwajima noted that while International Women’s Day is commemorated annually at regional levels, the national event is held every five years to evaluate progress in achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment.
She said Arusha was selected to host this year’s event as it has never held a national Women’s Day celebration before.
She said the region, along with Manyara, also faces significant gender-related challenges, including high rates of female genital mutilation (FGM), with prevalence at 43per cent and 28per cent, respectively.
Hosting the event in Arusha, she added, would help highlight these challenges and promote efforts to address them.

Dr Gwajima said elaborated that series of events have been planned ahead of the main celebration.
She said that the official launch will take place on March 1 at regional, district, and ward levels, bringing together women and stakeholders to assess progress and set future goals.
From March 3 to 6, regional forums will be held in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Dodoma, Geita, Mbeya, Lindi, and Kigoma, each focusing on key gender issues relevant to their respective regions.
Exhibitions showcasing women entrepreneurs, public and private institutions, and various companies will take place in Arusha from March 5 to 8. A special Women’s Night event is scheduled for March 7, with around 1,500 attendees expected.
ALSO READ: Tanzania surpasses 2025 tourism target
The celebrations will peak on March 8, with attendees encouraged to wear a special commemorative kitenge fabric, available at a wholesale price of 25,000/- and a retail price of up to 30,000/-.
Dr. Gwajima emphasized that this year’s event carries special significance as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Beijing Declaration on gender equality, which Tanzania continues to implement as a UN member.
She also reflected on the history of International Women’s Day, tracing its origins to 1911, when female industrial workers in the United States protested against poor working conditions and wage disparities.
Tanzania has observed the day since 1997, holding national-level celebrations every five years while regional commemorations take place annually.