Women’s leadership forum calls for sustainable leadership pathways

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Uongozi Institute has called for stronger systems to ensure women maintain their leadership roles and continue contributing to national development even after completing their terms in office.

The institute’s Executive Director, Kadari Singo, made the call today during the Women’s Leadership Forum in Dar es Salaam, noting that increasing women’s representation in Parliament and other institutions must go hand in hand with efforts to sustain their leadership careers.

Singo said women, particularly those entering Parliament through special seats, face the challenge of transitioning into other leadership positions after their terms end, raising concerns about how their experience and knowledge can continue to benefit the country.

He stressed that the success of efforts to promote women’s leadership should not be measured by the number of women appointed or elected to leadership positions alone, but also by their ability to remain active, advance their careers and continue contributing to society.

He called for the removal of structural and institutional barriers that hinder women’s progress, emphasizing the need for practical measures to support their continued participation in leadership.

According to Singo, the forum provides a platform for participants to share experiences of women leaders from Tanzania, Africa and other parts of the world, while examining research findings on ways to strengthen the sustainability of women’s leadership in the country.

He said participants are expected to propose practical solutions, including mentorship, professional guidance, networking and structured pathways to help women advance to senior positions in the public sector, private sector and civil society.

Singo also highlighted the institute’s six-month leadership development programme targeting African women in middle and senior management positions. The programme provides training, mentorship and guidance from leadership and change management experts from different parts of the world.

He said the initiative helps participants understand challenges facing women leaders, identify their leadership potential and develop personal development plans to improve their performance.

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Singo added that 399 women have graduated from the programme’s first eight cohorts, out of approximately 400 participants, underscoring the importance of investing in initiatives that strengthen women’s leadership skills and professional networks.

He said the forum aims to identify lasting solutions to challenges facing women in leadership and ensure they can sustain their careers, grow professionally and continue contributing to the development of Tanzania and Africa.