ARUSHA: WOMEN who have faced difficult life circumstances have great potential to overcome obstacles and rise to leadership positions or pursue entrepreneurial opportunities to achieve economic independence.
Special Member of Parliament Dr Alice Kaijage, representing the Tanzanian Mainland Trade Unions, issued the call yesterday in Arusha, during a federation conference.
Dr Alice acknowledged that women in leadership positions often face challenges and humiliation.
However, she emphasised that their determination to achieve their goals motivates them to work tirelessly and find solutions to the difficulties they encounter.
“There are times when women face insults and humiliation, but that should not discourage us. It is through overcoming obstacles that great leaders emerge—leaders who work to solve the challenges facing fellow women and support others when they succeed,” she said.
She encouraged women to step forward and contest leadership positions while also supporting one another to achieve their goals.
“Do not hesitate to run for leadership positions. Let us, as women, support each other, recognise one another’s capabilities and work together to achieve our goals. At the same time, remember that we are mothers both at home and in the workplace and we must overcome obstacles to reach where we aspire to be.”
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Dr Alice also commended the government, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, for its continued efforts to support women.
She highlighted legislative reforms in Parliament that recognise the importance of maternity rights, including additional time off for mothers to care for newborns alongside maternity leave.
Meanwhile, Ms Nasra Khalid, Head of the Gender and Disability Department at the Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA), stated that the conference aimed to address issues affecting women in preparation for International Women’s Day, which is being celebrated today in Arusha.
She noted that participants would strategise on tackling systemic workplace barriers, including the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions.
“For instance, if you look at board memberships, there are very few women. To address these issues, we need to discuss and develop strategies, while also fostering solidarity within TUCTA,” she said.
Ms Caroline Mugalla, Director of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for East Africa, also underscored the challenges women face in the workplace, urging them to unite in eliminating these obstacles.
“My journey to becoming the director of the ILO East Africa Region has been filled with challenges, but I overcame them. My brothers and sisters, now is the time to unite and ensure gender equality in the workplace,” she said.
