TAMWA-Z’bar encourages women to contest in elective posts

ZANZIBAR: AHEAD of the 2025 general election, there has been a growing response of women preparing to contest, a development that has pleased the Tanzania Media Women Association (TAMWA) in Zanzibar, which has been actively encouraging women to pursue leadership positions.

Speaking during a meeting with stakeholders in women rights at the association offices in Unguja, the TAMWA-Zanzibar Director Dr Mzuri Issa Ali, said there are good news that many women are preparing to compete in the coming elections.

“I urge all women who are intending to contest for various positions in the coming elections to remain bold and determined. No one should threaten or discourage you,” she said.

ALSO READ: TAMWA, SEO call for establishment of family policy

The meeting was all about how to strengthen the campaign against Gender Based Violence (GBV) and cyber bullying, but it was an opportunity for the TAMWA leadership to motivate women, particularly the young people to get prepared to be elected.

She said threats and online attacks discourage women from taking part in elections, mainly to contest. “Some women are prohibited by their spouses. Let us respect our husbands and male relatives, but shouldn’t be discouraged from actively participating in politics,” she noted.

On his part, Senior Legal Officer Abdulrazak Said Ali said that the campaign for the 50 per cent gender equality has been a long-term movement and it is now heading to reality.

He said: “Southern African Development Community (SADC) 2005 declaration and the 2008 gender development protocol, mention a minimum participation rate of 30 per cent for women, which has been implemented in many countries and subsequently moved to 50 per cent.”

He added that the economic challenge is an obstacle for many women in political activities, urging each party to allocate a budget that will enable women to achieve their goals. An officer from the Zanzibar Anti-corruption and Economic Crimes Agency (ZAECA) Yussuf Juma Suleiman said one of the reasons that prevent women from running for leadership positions is sexual corruption.

“We may not have clear evidence on that but it is a fact that some women are asked to offer sexual bribery before being supported or endorsed to contest. Remain bold and refuse any corruption during election time,” he urged.