Women MPs boost gender parity
DODOMA: TANZANIA continues to narrow the gender gap in national politics, with women now making up 40.5 per cent of all Members of Parliament keeping the nation firmly on track toward achieving the 50/50 gender parity agenda.
Speaking during the opening of the 13th Parliament in Dodoma yesterday, President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan highlighted the sharp rise in directly elected women MPs, noting that 36 women won constituency seats in this year’s General Election, up from 21 in the previous Parliament.
“These figures show that the General Election has delivered significant change, not only by increasing the number of women who won through constituencies, but also by expanding the pool of women in Special Seats,” President Samia said.
The President added that the newly elected Parliament represents a fresh start, noting that 223 out of 393 MPs equivalent to 56.7 per cent are new to the House.
She applauded all MPs for earning the trust of citizens to carry out the critical duties of lawmaking, advising and overseeing the government.
“This is a profound responsibility entrusted to you by the people. Citizens expect you to devote your time to debates that reflect their daily struggles and aspirations, to effectively hold the government accountable and to consistently safeguard the interests of those who elected you and the broader national interest,” she said.
Earlier this year, President Samia urged women across the country to play an active role in shaping the nation’s future by breaking barriers, participating in elections and demonstrating their leadership potential.
Speaking at the 10th anniversary of the Women Leadership Programme, organised by the Association of Tanzania Employers, she underscored the importance of women supporting each other and taking up decision-making roles.
She stressed that true progress stems from determination and action, ingredients essential for driving the country toward its development goals.
Last year, President Samia called on public institutions and the private sector to step up efforts to ensure women are given opportunities and heard in various decision-making bodies.
She emphasised that women’s participation in decision-making is an inclusive and sustainable agenda, adding that it should not be viewed as revolutionary or as a government duty alone.
The President made the remarks during the opening of the “Women in the Financial Sector in Tanzania” conference held in Kizimkazi, Unguja South Region.
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She said the objective is to ensure that issues affecting women, often less understood by other decision-makers, are brought to the decision-making table.
