Samia: Come out, contest

DAR ES SALAAM: AHEAD of the General Election, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has urged women to vie for leadership positions while encouraging those already in office to balance their duties with family and social responsibilities.

She also reminded women to verify their details in the Permanent Voter Register (PVR) to ensure they can exercise their civic duty without obstacles.

The Head of State made the call in Dar es Salaam yesterday during the 10th anniversary of the Female Future Programme and the graduation of its 10th cohort, coordinated by the Association of Tanzania Employers (ATE).

The event was followed by the 7th Annual Leadership Conference, 2025.

“This is an election year, it is important that beneficiaries of this programme, including Members of Parliament (MPs), take the lead in increasing the number of qualified women at decision-making levels, either by running for office themselves or by encouraging capable women to compete,” President Samia said.

She urged women to support each other, rejecting the notion that they are their own adversaries, instead, she attributed competition and exclusion to harmful traditions and economic disadvantages.

She called on those in leadership positions to commit to maintaining peace within communities and promoting education for the girl child.

“Education or leadership positions should not make us forget our social responsibility of raising and nurturing our children,” she said.

She warned that neglecting family responsibilities could have major consequences, including loneliness and sadness in old age, as children may either be involved in inappropriate behaviour or have no time for parents who did not invest in them.

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“It could also result in children becoming dependent and a burden on the nation, bringing shame to parents. Also, it could set back government efforts to educate the girl child, reinforcing arguments by supporters of patriarchal systems,” she said.

President Samia also called on educated women and leaders to help society understand that gender equality is not about women being superior to men but about upholding Article 12 of the Tanzanian Constitution, which states that all human beings are born free and equal.

“What distinguishes men and women later in life is upbringing and nurturing. But when we are born, we are all equal,” President Samia said.

“As we continue advocating for gender equality, let us also perform our duties with professionalism, diligence and integrity. The key is to know who you are, what your focus is and where you want to go. With these trainings, you will be able to achieve your goals,” she added.

The Female Future Programme in Tanzania was introduced in 2015 to promote gender equality in the workplace, increase women’s representation in decision-making organs and elevate them to top leadership positions in both private and public sectors.

The programme originated in Norway through ATE’s sister organisation, the Confederation of the Norwegian Enterprise (NHO).

Norwegian Ambassador to Tanzania, Ms Tone Tinnes, said women are often the driving force behind change.

“Women are not just participants in change; they are often the driving force behind it. In Norway, we have seen how increasing female participation in the workforce has strengthened our society, but it was not always like this,” she said.

She added that for women to fully participate in leadership, men must also be engaged in breaking stereotypes, removing barriers and creating spaces where women can thrive.

“We are proud that Norway has supported this programme for 10 years and we look forward to expanding it in the future,” she added.

ATE Executive Director and CEO, Suzanne NdombaDoran, said the programme trains an average of 45 participants annually, with numbers fluctuating due to various factors.

The third phase recorded the lowest participation due to Covid-19, while the 10th cohort had the highest.

The number of trained participants includes MPs from the National Assembly and Zanzibar House of Representatives.

“So far, 642 women have received this training. Among them, 102 have attained senior leadership positions, while others have gained increased responsibilities or board memberships. Discussions are also underway to extend training to female police officers,” she said.

Ms Ndomba-Doran said the training aims to enhance women’s leadership skills, expressing hope for continued support from the Norwegian government and other stakeholders.