WLF steps into the Tanzanian spotlight as a unifying platform for women leaders

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA’S newly formed Women in Leadership Forum (WLF) has stepped into the public spotlight, positioning itself as a unifying platform for women leaders committed to shaping the country’s future beyond political divides.

Speaking at a press briefing to introduce the forum, Chairperson and founder of the forum, Dr Evaline Munisi said the meeting aimed to officially unveil the organisation ahead of its upcoming launch, noting that the main goal of WLF is to bring together women leaders from across Tanzania to build a collective voice on leadership, national dialogue and development.

Additionally, she said the forum, founded in November 2025 and formally registered on January 14, 2026, under the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, is guided by the slogan “Women Leading Change, Shaping the Future.”

Dr Munisi explained that WLF is a non-political and non-governmental platform established by women who contested for presidential and vice-presidential positions in last year’s General Election, emphasising unity, peace and national interest over partisan differences.

“We emphasize that political differences are not a problem; however, when those differences are turned into lasting hostility, fear, social division, or an environment of mistrust, their consequences do not affect leaders alone but also reach ordinary citizens food vendors, job-seeking youth, farmers, students, and every family that depends on a stable and hopeful nation,” Dr Evaline said.

She said the forum seeks to harness the experience, influence and vision of women leaders to contribute to national development, adding that it has already engaged with the relevant ministry and participated in International Women’s Day commemorations on March 8, 2026.

According to the founder, the forum is not meant to fuel divisions but to promote constructive dialogue, reconciliation and mutual understanding, calling on Tanzanians to safeguard peace, respect differing opinions and prioritise national unity.

WLF Vice Chairperson Azza Haji Suleiman added that the 12-member team, drawn from different political parties, has chosen to put nationalism first, pledging to work together to support government efforts and address challenges facing citizens across the country.