Unite to attain development agenda, women told
GEITA: MINISTER for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Dr Dorothy Gwajima, has called on women across the country to come together in order to accomplish the objectives of the women’s development agenda, particularly gender equality.
She made the call during the Tanzania Women Miners Association’s (TAWOMA) 25th Annual Conference held in the Geita Region on Saturday.
Minister Gwajima also asked them to understand the value of working and keeping together, refraining from harming one another and always assisting one another.
She assured TAWOMA and women in general of the government’s commitment to uplifting them.
“President Samia made the decision to establish a separate ministry to address women’s issues as soon as she took the oath of office,” he said.
Similarly, Dr Gwajima has instructed the TAWOMA leadership to compile a report on challenges faced by women miners countrywide and present them before November this year, in order to find solutions and plan a sizable exhibition for women miners in January next year.
Additionally, she also commended TAWOMA for successfully inspiring women to establish their own businesses in the mining industry and maintaining their unity despite these difficulties.
However, Dr Gwajima also acknowledged the legendary success of Sarah Masasi, a miner entrepreneur who has succeeded to own a company and a gold refinery in Geita Region.
Speaking at the conference, Minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde noted that the ministry through the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO), has continued to boost the effectiveness of women miners, including conducting research in four regions, to learn more about the challenges they face.
“Apparently, in Geita Region, 15 mining areas for women miners have already been identified, and the good news is that President Samia has said that she will cover the cost of all licences for those areas,” he said.
TAWOMA Chairperson, Ms Semeni Malale hailed the government for taking an interest in supporting women miners in contrast to the past, when it was considered taboo for women to work in the mines.
