Tanzania hails women’s role in leadership for promoting gender equality, democracy

DAR ES SALAAM: SPEAKER of the Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania, Mussa Zungu, has said women’s participation in leadership positions and decision-making bodies is essential to promoting gender equality, democracy and social development in the Great Lakes region.

Mr Zungu made the remarks today, November 2, 2026, while addressing the Great Lakes Women Parliamentarians’ Meeting (WPC) in Dar es Salaam.

He said Tanzania had made progress in increasing women’s representation in Parliament, with women accounting for more than 39 per cent of all MPs.

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He noted that women’s participation in parliamentary diplomacy plays a significant role in ensuring that the challenges and needs of women and girls are considered in legislation, policy formulation, budget preparation and governance systems.

Mr Zungu added that efforts to increase women’s representation in leadership positions in Tanzania continued to receive support from the government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan through various initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women to participate in national decision-making processes.