Samia: Shattering ceilings, inspiring nations

DAR ES SALAAM: IN the bustling heart of Dar es Salaam, President Samia Suluhu Hassan stood tall among Africa’s most transformational leaders, receiving the Power of 100 Women Award, an honour bestowed on African women who are reshaping their nations and inspiring a new generation of changemakers.

She received the prestigious award from Access Bank Group, presented by Protase Ishengoma, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Access Bank Tanzania. Presented every five years, the award celebrates African women who are not merely participating in public life but transforming their nations and communities. The award was presented to her on July 8, this year at State House, Dar es Salaam.

It amplifies their voices and paves the way for the next generation of women leaders across the continent. In every sense, President Samia embodies this spirit and more. Her journey to the pinnacle of power is evidence to resilience, intellect, and an unwavering commitment to service.

Before making history as Tanzania’s first female President, she had already broken significant ground by serving as the country’s first female Vice President. Her rise to leadership is a story of determination and quiet strength, proof that with vision and grit, women can lead at the very highest levels and redefine national narratives.

Earlier this year, President Samia was also awarded the esteemed Mother of the Nation Order by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.

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This high-level honour recognized her efforts in advancing sustainable development, fostering social cohesion, and strengthening Tanzania’s global partnerships. It was a signal of her growing diplomatic stature and the widening scope of her influence on the world stage. And her achievements don’t stop there.

In the realm of public health, President Samia’s leadership has been nothing short of transformative. She received the Goalkeepers Global Goals Award from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, recognizing Tanzania’s landmark success in reducing maternal mortality.

Under her guidance, the country recorded an 80 per cent reduction in maternal deaths over a decade, a staggering accomplishment that speaks to her compassion, foresight, and focus on the well-being of the most vulnerable. Behind that number are thousands of mothers who survived, families that stayed whole, and communities that now flourish with renewed hope.

Beyond the international accolades, President Samia’s leadership has been profoundly affirmed at home. Just over a month ago, on May 31, 2025, she received a special parliamentary honour from the Tanzanian Parliament, a powerful gesture of profound appreciation for her exceptional contributions to national development.

This recognition from the legislative body speaks volumes about the respect and trust she commands, highlighting her transformative leadership in strengthening legal systems, human rights, and ensuring inclusive development that leaves no citizen behind. Her influence, however, extends far beyond these highprofile accolades, touching nearly every facet of national and continental development.

During the 20th anniversary of the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council, President Samia received a Special Award acknowledging her crucial role in peace and security initiatives across Africa.

Domestically, her deep connection with the people was celebrated by the women of Tanzania’s Lake Zone, who bestowed upon her the “Mwanamke Kinara 2025” (Woman Leader 2025) Award, recognizing her widespread contributions.

She has also been lauded for her strategic vision in infrastructure development with the prestigious Babacar Ndiaye Award (2022), and recognized internationally by institutions like Afrimma and Pyne Africa for her transformative leadership in promoting arts, culture, and tourism – notably earning the International Iconic “Best Tourist Guide of the Decade Award” (2022) for her pivotal role in the “The Royal Tour” film, which put Tanzania on the global tourism map postCOVID.

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These honours, coupled with awards for her commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (Mani Award and Golden President Award, 2022), human rights from the African Commission (2023), her pivotal role in fostering national reconciliation recognized even by the Chadema Women’s Wings (BAWACHA) in 2023, her commitment to public health and sanitation (Nyumba ni Choo” campaign, 2022), and receiving a Humanitarian Award from the Red Cross (2024), paint a picture of a leader whose impact is truly holistic and all-encompassing.

She was also recognized by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in 2023 for her vision in making education a pillar of national development, and received the Care Impact Award in the USA (2024) for leadership bringing positive community change. Beyond the political arena, President Samia’s intellectual curiosity and commitment to lifelong learning have also been celebrated.

She has received honorary doctorates from various prestigious universities globally and domestically, including the renowned Jawaharlal Nehru University in India, Korea Aerospace University (June 2024), Mzumbe University (November 2024), the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA), and Ankara University in Turkey.

These academic accolades are not merely ceremonial; they recognize her significant contributions to diplomacy, economic development, and regional integration. For aspiring female scholars and leaders, this is a powerful reminder that intellectual depth and a thirst for knowledge are indispensable tools for impactful leadership.

But what truly sets President Samia apart is her distinctive style of leadership, a blend of strength, empathy, and purpose. In a world that still wrestles with inequality and exclusion, President Samia’s leadership is a refreshing and powerful example of what is possible when women are given the space to lead.

She doesn’t conform to outdated moulds of authority; instead, she redefines them. Her calm resolve, deep intellect, and people-first approach are carving a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

As she continues to lead with purpose, one thing is clear: President Samia is not just writing history she’s opening doors for every woman who dares to believe that she, too, can lead.

Her story is a living blueprint not just for aspiring presidents, but for any woman who envisions change in her community, her business, or her home. Through every challenge and every triumph, President Samia reminds us that real leadership isn’t about dominance it’s about service, impact, and legacy.