ZANZIBAR: DEVELOPMENT partners (DPs) have expressed satisfaction with the manner in which funds earmarked for empowering women economically in Zanzibar are being utilised.
The development partners from the United Nations agencies, Norway, Sweden and Swaziland have been dishing out funds for implementing women economic empowerment projects in the Isles.
Various institutions are involved in the implementation of the projects under the United Nationssupported Joint Programme on Rural Women’s Economic Empowerment (JP RWEE), which aims to improve the economic status of rural women.
Speaking on behalf of the development partners during a visit to women’s cooperative groups at Muungoni Village, Unguja South District, Unguja, representative from Swaziland, Ms Christine Blanc said the financial support yielded positive results.
Ms Blanc said the funds have significantly contributed to improving the livelihoods and economic strength of women.
“This responsible use of funds strengthens the partnership between development partners and the implementing institutions while fostering trust in sustaining support for women’s development initiatives,” Ms Christine said.
She further noted that the initiative has helped rural women achieve significant progress in development, bringing economic transformation to their communities and families.
“These success highlight the importance of providing women with opportunities and resources to achieve their aspirations, ultimately leading to overall societal and national development,” she added.
However, she emphasised the need for continued support and involvement of women in various development programmes to further enhance their wellbeing and collective socioeconomic goals.
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Mr Ronald Tranban Huy from World Food Programme (WFP) Tanzania acknowledged the progress made, stressing the importance of ongoing collaboration among development partners to address challenges that hinder women from achieving their goals.
“This cooperation will help overcome obstacles and lead to even greater success for the benefit of women, their communities and the nation at large,” he said.
Meanwhile, Director of the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Zanzibar, Ms Winnifred Yatuwa Mamawi, said that the JP RWEE programme has enabled women to gain confidence and become more independent and actively pursue development while advocating for their rights.
She emphasised that the empowerment programme contributes to sustainable development, gender equality and positive societal transformation.
The women beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the visit, acknowledging the crucial role the development partners play in driving economic progress and improving their well-being.
One of the beneficiaries, Ms Kikuba Yahya Ibrahim, urged the partners to continue supporting their efforts by providing modern equipment, particularly for seaweed farming, to help them process and secure reliable markets for their products.
She acknowledged that, despite facing some challenges, the supporting institutions and the government have continued to provide various training programmes to help women improve their economic status and overall quality of life.
“This support has transformed our lives, allowing us to meet basic needs, educate our children and ensure families have proper nutrition,” she said.
Women’s groups in Muungoni Shehia engage in various economic activities, including entrepreneurship, vegetable farming, seaweed cultivation, tailoring, savings and credit groups, and microfinance cooperatives.
The JP RWEE project, funded by Sweden and Norway, is implemented through UN agencies including WFP, UN Women, FAO and IFAD, in partnership with local institutions such as FAWE, Maisha Bora Foundation, TAHA and the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources and Livestock.
