DAR ES SALAAM: OVER 600,000 individuals in Dar es Salaam (Kinondoni District), Mtwara Region (Mtwara-Mikindani) and the Coast Region (Kibaha Town) have benefitted from the Strengthening Women and Girls with Disabilities Meaningful Participation in Leadership and Economic Rights (WDLER) project.
Launched in October of last year, the year-long project aims to build the capacity of women and girls living with disabilities in political, social and economic rights.
The initiative is funded by UN Women and implemented by the Movement of Women with Disabilities in Tanzania (MOWADITA), under the supervision of Action on Disability and Development (ADD), the Ministry of Labour, Youth Employment and Persons with Disabilities and Local Governments.
During a recent meeting with journalists in Dar es Salaam, women leaders from various disability groups shared how the project has enhanced their awareness of their rights in social, economic and political spheres.
Ms Nuru Awadh, Chairperson of MOWADITA, who is visually impaired and served as a Ward Councillor from 2015 to 2020 (CCM Special Seats), noted that the project has inspired more women with disabilities to participate in the upcoming national elections.
“As a result of the training provided through this project, many women with disabilities are preparing to run for office in the civic polls on November 27th this year and next year’s General Election,” she said.
Ms Awadh highlighted the numerous leadership skills workshops conducted for women and girls with disabilities from grassroots levels.
“These trainings have significantly increased their political capacity and enthusiasm. These women are now ready to demonstrate their ability to handle leadership positions if elected,” she added.
ADD Gender Coordinator, Ms Asteria Gwajima expressed appreciation for the government’s support in upholding the rights of women and girls with disabilities.
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“Our government is doing commendable work in empowering and protecting these women.
However, they still face numerous challenges due to societal ignorance.
We believe that continued education and involvement of communities and stakeholders will lead to significant improvements in their situation,” Ms Gwajima concluded.
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