Tamwa calls for equal treatment of women candidates, urges respectful campaigns

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Media Women’s Association (Tamwa) has called on political parties, politicians, and the public to adopt respectful language when discussing, writing about, or describing female candidates during election campaigns.

In a statement issued on Friday, March 7, 2025, and signed by Tamwa Executive Director Dr Rose Reuben, the organization highlighted the ongoing harassment faced by female candidates, particularly during election periods, a challenge that continues to affect many countries, including Tanzania.

Tamwa noted that this harassment is prevalent on campaign platforms and social media, often discouraging women from participating in politics and leadership roles. This, the association argues, severely limits women's representation in decision-making positions.

“As we commemorate International Women's Day, let us unite as Tanzanians to accelerate change toward a gender-inclusive society ready for sustainable development,” Dr Reuben stated in the release.

The statement also emphasized that Tanzania’s upcoming elections—presidential, parliamentary, and local government elections—are a pivotal moment in the country’s democratic process.

Tamwa urged political parties to create a supportive environment for female candidates by ensuring opportunities are made available to women in electoral constituencies. It called for the cessation of personal attacks on female candidates, including remarks about their physical appearance, marital status, or family life.

“Women should support female candidates in the upcoming general election and avoid sharing content that disrespects or demeans them. Media outlets must uphold journalistic ethics by offering fair coverage of all candidates, focusing on policies rather than personal attacks,” Dr Reuben added.

Additionally, Tamwa called on the public, particularly social media users, to refrain from spreading offensive content, harassment, or disrespectful language targeting female candidates.

“We urge social media platforms to be used to promote policies that combat hate speech and offensive remarks, rather than attacking women and girls based on their personal lives,” she said.

Dr Reuben also congratulated the ruling CCM party and ACT-Wazalendo for nominating President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Ms. Dorothy Semu to contest the presidency in the upcoming general election.

“This is a significant step for the country’s democracy. This nomination continues to inspire a society that, in the past, believed that women could not rise to such leadership positions,” she concluded.