Not yet there in gender equality

Dar es Salaam. And so it came to pass that in November 2015, 50 years after independence, Tanzania had a woman vice president. Women praised the fifth phase leadership for this heroic and historical step.

It was acknowledging the fact that there were women in Tanzania with the experience and capability of holding such a position. In fact, to show that such was the case, seven women from CCM competed for the presidency, two were among the last three. From the opposition there was a woman presidential candidate.

After the elections and one year on, women are still waiting for more appointments and strategies that would recognise their needs and acknowledge their contribution to the country.

Historically women of Tanzania have contributed to the social, economic and political advancements of the country. Thus the choice of Samia Suluhu Hassan as the Vice President followed by the election of Dr Tulia Ackson, a young woman as the Deputy Speaker, was seen as long overdue after all Tanzania has a number of capable and experienced women on could chose for most posts.

It was a positive message that the government practices gender equality and set an example to be replicated at different levels and in institutions.

But after the elections the disappointment began to set in because the capable and experienced women of Tanzania were not selected in equal proportions to their male counterparts in the appointments being made. While making known their disappointments, women watched to see whether the new leadership, in addressing issues that affected the citizen, would also redress the challenges that women face in the society.

The fight against corruption was a welcome intervention in a society where it had become the norm to initiate services and duties by the lining of pockets. It benefitted those who demanded payment and those who could afford to do so and brought suffering and despair to those who could not pay. For women, tackling corruption means they have the opportunity of accessing services without having to make illegal payments or having to use their bodies when they do not have the cash.

The fact revenue is being collected from taxes is commendable and people will appreciate seeing their taxes contributing to the development of their country. This is change for all and in particular for women where such revenues can be can be directed to the provision and accessibility in the health sector and education sectors to name a few. The saying that ‘when you educate a girl you educate a nation’ is what will now happen with the government’s directive of free education up to Form Four. Children from poor families and orphans can now attend school. For the girl child, parents won’t have to choose between sending a son to school and marrying off their daughter. Now both sons and daughters can go to school and attain their dreams.

Being able to work diligently, on time and being respectful to others is standard. But this was not the case in many offices and businesses. So tackling accountability with its push to address absenteeism, tardiness, and poor customer services is returning discipline and work ethics in workplaces and businesses. All these are positive steps for which the fifth phase leadership deserves to be congratulated.

But with the congratulations comes the need to address the gaps within these commendable interventions so that they wholly benefit women. This can be achieved by having gender perspective strategies in the implementation of those interventions. Such strategies will take into account the women of Tanzania who make up 51 per cent of this country’s population.

Without such strategies, tackling corruption will still not ensure that women will access health services without money changing hands or women will get promotions without sextortion taking place. An effective gender interpretation is needed in the fight against corruption for it to address what women face in society. In its anti-graft campaign the leadership has spoken of establishing a Court to tackle corruption; Family Courts should also be established to take care of gender based violence. This will bring about justice to women, especially those in the rural areas.

A strategy will put measures in place to ensure all children and especially girls attend and remain in school. It will put mechanisms to address gender based violence against girls in schools and reduce school pregnancies, teachers forcing girls into sex in exchange for marks and girls being taken out of school to be married.

It will ensure that schools have the basic necessities, an enabling environment for the girls, especially girls with disabilities and are accessible so that girls are not raped on their long way to school. In poor areas, plans should be in place to ensure the students get a meal so that they get the basic nutritional requirements.

Despite the 2012 census showing that 51 per cent of the citizens of Tanzania are women, they are currently underrepresented in the leadership arena. For a government to deliver to its constituents, it must be truly representative and recognise that women must be equal partners in the developmental process. If the nexus of power in a country is its executive, the judiciary and parliament, then women have to participate without discrimination at different leadership levels; all appointments in Institutions, Ministries, Commissions, Diplomatic Missions and others should bear in mind gender equality.

As elected and appointed officials women’s contributions are crucial to building a strong and vibrant society. According to the American-based National Democratic Institute (NDI), It would thus be admirable that as we move into the second year of this new leadership, there is recognition of women’s contribution to the country’s achievements.

There is a need to address their cry for gender equality and against gender based violence, oppressive cultures and traditions. The proposed constitution is gender sensitive and the completion of the process of getting a new constitution for this country will address their cry.

The first year has seen new leadership taking on the commendable task in dealing with the broad issues that affect Tanzanians.

No doubt there are challenges in implementation. Hopefully mechanisms will be put in place; institutions will be strengthened to take care of delivery.

However, for these good things taking place and plans for the future to benefit all, they must also go in hand with understanding and acknowledging that equitable participation of women in the social, economic and political spheres is essential for building and sustaining an economically vibrant and developed Tanzania.

Valerie N. Msoka is a veteran journalist and an advocate for women and girls rights. She was a member of the Constituent Assembly and is a member of the technical committee of the Women Coalition on the Constitution and Leadership.