Rights activists pin hopes on Vision 2050
DAR ES SALAAM: AS the implementation of Development Vision 2050 set to begin in July this year, human rights activists see it as a critical opportunity to advance social justice, promote gender equality and strengthen meaningful citizen participation in the country’s development agenda.
They noted that the vision provides an important platform to ensure that the country’s economic growth goes hand in hand with social inclusion and the protection of the rights of women, youths and other marginalised groups.
Tanzania Gender Networking Programme (TGNP) Board Chairperson, Gemma Akilimali, said on Wednesday during the commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD) that the launch of the Vision 2050 in July 2025 marks a transformative step toward building an inclusive, self reliant nation, with a vibrant private sector at the centre of sustainable innovation.
She said that this year’s national theme for IWD, “Rights and Equality for Women and Girls: An Inclusive Foundation for Achieving Vision 2050,” comes at the right time as the implementation of the blueprint is set to commence on July 1 this year.
“We are pleased to see that this inclusive development vision is fully aligned with the commitment to social justice. This is evident through the integration of Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB), which is an important tool to ensure that national resources benefit everyone,” Ms Akilimali said.
She further highlighted the implementation of the National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children (MTAKUWWA II) as another key pillar in eliminating violence against women and children.
Ms Akilimali also noted that their advocacy efforts have shown progress in the political sphere, noting that women currently hold approximately 39.5 per cent of parliamentary seats, up from 37.4 per cent after the 2020 General Election.
She called on stakeholders to change their mindset and view investing in women as both an economic and social opportunity.
“When we recognise women’s rights as a matter of strategic investment, we create solutions that enable women to lift themselves out of the cycle of poverty. Investing in women is the foundation for building the inclusive society we aspire to achieve,” she stressed.
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Ms Akilimali added that this year, International Women’s Day is more than a celebration; it is a call to action to dismantle systemic barriers that hinder the realisation of equal rights, including discriminatory laws, weak legal protections, harmful cultural practices and social systems that suppress the rights of women and girls.
Acting TGNP Executive Director, Clara Kalanga, said that in addition to the national theme, the global theme, “Give to Gain,” encourages meaningful and impactful giving to achieve gender equality.
She explained that TGNP, in collaboration with its stakeholders, is coordinating various activities throughout March at the community level through Knowledge Centres in more than 90 wards across 13 regions. The celebrations will continue from March 1 to 31.
“Today, TGNP has brought stakeholders together to discuss and develop joint strategies, particularly on women’s rights and equality, which form the foundation for the implementation of our new Vision,” Ms Kalanga said.
She added that on March 17, a youth conference will be held, while between March 25 and 27, TGNP will hold international celebrations in collaboration with partners from India, Haiti, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Canada and Tanzania.
“During this month, we will also run a special ToaIliUpate (Give to Gain) campaign on our social media platforms and continue to share messages and raise awareness through various media channels,” she said.
