Government advised to focus on merits for women’s political engagement 

Dar es Salaam. Political stakeholders have called on the government to focus on women with merit for political positions rather than filling the gaps in gender equality.

It has also been advised on engaging the diaspora in the process of reviewing three proposed bills for the National Electoral Commission (NEC), the President, MPs and councillors, as well as Political Parties Affairs.

This emerged on January 6, during a Zoom meeting that brought together various local and foreign stakeholders to debate the proposed bills.

Among the concerns raised was that of the Diaspora being left out, despite playing a role in contributing to the country’s economic growth.

The stakeholders were very eager for the establishment of an independent electoral commission as well as the reformation of the clauses of the electoral bill that will protect women vying for political positions against abuse both online and offline.

Speaking during the discussions, gender activist Gertrude Mongella said it was encouraging to learn that some clauses of the electoral law will be reviewed to protect women in politics as well as encourage more women to involve themselves in the legislation.

However, she noted that while the decision to engage more women in leadership positions is vital, it is also important to ensure they have the skills and ability to hold such positions.

“We need women to hold those positions through merit in order to propel the country forward, not just based on gender equality without any meaningful outcome,” she stressed.
Her views were backed by Malawian legislator Susan Dossi, who said women with skills for leadership need to be encouraged to take up the positions.

She said the government's decision to review the bills has come at the right time and it is ideal for changing clauses so as to protect women during campaigns against people who will be aiming to distract them from participating in the elections.
“I congratulate President Hassan on raising the bills to ensure more women participate in leadership positions,” she said.

A Senator from Kenya, Ms Catherine Mumma, said it’s imperative to look at laws that don’t under limit affirmative action and ensure the electoral commission does not lean on any political party by having an independent office that ensures fair play.

Further, she noted that the reviewed electoral laws should have a clause that limits fraud. “Political goodwill does not defy laws put in place,” she said.

According to her, on behalf of Kenyan women and Africa, they are proud of President Hassan for her exemplary work and mentorship.

“She has demonstrated great leadership skills by being conciliatory, upholding human rights principles, and not being nervous in her decisions. She is a good diplomat and a good neighbour, and she will give more women a chance to become leaders because of the good work she has been doing,” she said.

She said President Hassan’s decision to review the electoral laws is a good sign for Tanzania since Kenya changed its constitution over a decade ago with a provision for having more women in the political space without any discrimination.

A Tanzanian living in the US, Dr Temba Anicetus, said it is heartening to see Tanzania is now amending its electoral laws to ensure the rights of Tanzanians, including women, are protected.
However, he raised the concern that Tanzanians living abroad were not included in the process, despite contributing to the country’s economic growth. 

“President Hassan was here, and we raised our concern, and she promised to work on it,” he said.

Responding, Member of Parliament Neema Lugangira said the government recognises the Diaspora, and this year, through a special document, it is working to ensure they get a special status.

She also hailed the government for taking at least 90 percent of the views issued in the bill. 

“We proposed encouraging women in politics and increasing the number of women leaders from the grassroots, including local government, while at the same time having a clause that will ensure political parties increase the number of women vying for political positions to 20 percent,” she said.

Further, she noted that they proposed that all political parties should have a gender desk that would work on gender abuse.
A veteran journalist, Mr Absalom Kibanda, said he hoped the proposed views would be passed to improve the laws. 

However, Mr Kibanda raised a concern that some vital proposals were not included in the bills, though he did not name them.