MCL reaffirms commitment to women’s leadership and economic empowerment

Dar es Salaam. Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL) Board Chairman, Mr David Nchimbi, has pledged to continue supporting women’s leadership and economic empowerment over the next five years, with a particular focus on increasing women’s access to business ownership and leadership opportunities. 

Mr Nchimbi made the pledge on Friday, March 7, 2025, during The Citizen Rising Woman Dinner Gala, which was held to commemorate International Women’s Day. 

He highlighted the pivotal role that ‘The Citizen Rising Woman Initiative’ has played in empowering women across Tanzania, ensuring their representation in leadership roles and decision-making processes. 

“For the past five years, this initiative has helped uplift women by facilitating their inclusion in leadership and decision-making positions,” Mr Nchimbi said, emphasising the need for continued investment in policies that remove societal barriers and create equal opportunities for women. 

He further stressed that achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5, which focuses on gender equality, requires ongoing efforts to provide women with leadership opportunities across all sectors. 

“This is the right time to collaborate with stakeholders to drive sustainable development. Through ‘The Citizen Rising Woman Initiative’, we are fostering an environment that empowers women and accelerates their ability to bring about positive change in their communities,” Mr Nchimbi stated. 

Reflecting on the progress made, he said, “As we celebrate five years of success, we look back on the many achievements and set our sights on the future, continuing our commitment to advancing women’s empowerment.” 

Over the past five years, MCL has shared 270 inspiring stories of women, hosted impactful discussions, and awarded 45 institutions for their contributions to gender equality. 

“MCL is proud to be recognized as an exemplary employer for our dedication to increasing the participation of women in decision-making roles and workplace systems,” Mr Nchimbi added. 

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Accelerate Her Impact,” underscores the importance of creating an environment where women can thrive, lead, and inspire change. 

‘The Citizen Rising Woman Initiative’ has been a beacon of hope, challenging societal norms, advocating for inclusivity, and championing the rights of women whose voices are often overlooked. 

MCL Acting Managing Director, Mr Victor Mushi, explained that The Citizen Rising Woman, launched in 2021, was designed to spotlight the lives, stories, and success journeys of women in Tanzania. 

“Since its inception, we have worked tirelessly to encourage stakeholders to share the experiences of women in Tanzania. Our goal is to inspire society by showcasing the profound impact of these stories,” Mr Mushi said. 

The initiative brings together stakeholders from various sectors to celebrate Tanzanian women in leadership positions and amplify their contributions to the country’s development. 

Mr Mushi also shared how women have shaped his personal and professional life. 

“I have learned so much from women—both in leadership and in life. Women have been instrumental in shaping my career and personal growth,” he said. 

“In many of our journeys, women have served as mentors, guiding us toward success,” he added.