Empowering women: Roadmap for the next five years

Dar es Salaam. As the grand finale of the fifth edition of The Citizen Rising Woman approaches, set to take place on Friday (today), March 7, at the Mlimani City Conference Hall, stakeholders have shared a strategic roadmap for the next five years in celebrating women.

With the topic ‘Roadmap for the Next Five Years in Celebrating Women,’ the space aimed to highlight long-term plans and initiatives to uplift, empower, and recognize women’s contributions across various sectors.

This initiative, which has been a beacon of inspiration since its inception in 2021, continues to highlight the achievements of women across various sectors and push for a more inclusive future.

By giving these women a platform to share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs, The Citizen has not only celebrated their success but also inspired the next generation of female leaders.

Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL) Executive Editor, Mr Mpoki Thomson, said during The Citizen’s X Space, on Thursday, March 6, 2025, that the initiative was launched to fill a gap in media narratives about women.

"Often, media coverage of gender issues focuses on discrimination and disparity, but we wanted to shift the focus to success stories—women who have broken barriers and achieved greatness in their fields," he explained.

The impact of these stories has been profound. Many young women have found motivation in the real-life accounts of perseverance and triumph, fueling their aspirations to aim higher in their careers.

The initiative has also encouraged organizations to be more intentional about gender inclusivity.

KPMG senior manager, Ms Peninah Musya, emphasised that corporations must go beyond policy statements and take actionable steps.

“We have to set measurable targets for gender representation in leadership and create mentorship programs that support women as they navigate their careers,” she said.

She highlighted KPMG's commitment to gender equity through policies such as extended maternity leave, hybrid work arrangements, and leadership training programs.

“Women mustn't have to choose between career advancement and family responsibilities,” she added.African Transformational Initiative Executive Director Ms Wisdom Mande, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of mentorship and advocacy.

“We must provide young women with the tools and confidence to navigate corporate spaces effectively,” she said.

She also pointed out that unconscious bias continues to be a challenge, making it essential for organizations to implement training programs that address workplace discrimination.

Financial independence is a significant pillar of women's empowerment.

CRDB Bank has been at the forefront of advancing financial inclusion for women.

CRDB head of agency banking, Ms Catherine Rutenge, noted that the bank’s initiatives have enabled thousands of women in rural areas to access banking services, either as account holders or as banking agents.

“Our agency banking model has allowed women not only to benefit from financial services but also to become key players in the banking ecosystem as agents,” she explained.

She said through such initiatives, women can start and grow businesses, improving both their financial stability and that of their families.

As the world moves further into the digital era, technology is becoming a key driver of change.

Novus Law and Advisory Group founding partner, Ms April Earnest, emphasized the need for women to equip themselves with tech skills.

“In the coming years, digital literacy will determine who gets ahead. Women need to proactively engage with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and data analytics,” she said.

Tech inclusivity remains a major challenge, with many sectors still lacking female representation.

Efforts such as targeted scholarships, coding boot camps, and leadership training in tech industries are seen as vital steps toward closing this gap.

One of the central themes of the discussion was the difference between gender equality and gender equity.

While gender equality aims for equal opportunities, gender equity recognizes that different genders have unique challenges that must be addressed to level the playing field.

“For true progress, we must first focus on gender equity,” said Ms Mande.

“Policies should consider the specific needs of women—be it flexible work arrangements, childcare support, or equal pay,” she added.

The commitment from various stakeholders—corporate leaders, policymakers, and advocacy groups—suggests that significant strides can be made in the next five years.

By combining storytelling, corporate accountability, financial inclusion, and technology-driven empowerment, The Citizen Rising Woman initiative is poised to continue shaping the gender landscape in Tanzania and beyond.

Mr Thomson said that as the initiative moves forward, one thing remains clear: the journey toward gender equality is still on.

“With sustained effort, collaboration, and intentionality, the next five years promise to bring even greater transformation in women’s empowerment,” he noted.