The Citizen Rising Woman gala celebrates five years of empowerment and progress

Dar es Salaam. The day has finally arrived, bringing together leaders from both the private and public sectors, as well as individuals from all walks of life, to celebrate the resilience, achievements and contributions of women in various industries.

The Mlimani City Conference Hall is abuzz with anticipation as attendees gather for The Citizen Rising Woman Gala Dinner—now in its fifth edition since the initiative's inception five years ago.

This year’s theme, Accelerate Her Impact, underscores the need to create an enabling environment for women to thrive, lead, and inspire change.

Over the past two months, women from diverse professional backgrounds have shared their powerful stories of triumph and tribulation, shedding light on the challenges they have faced and the strategies they have employed to rise to the top.

It is an open secret that gender discrimination remains a significant barrier in many workplaces, preventing countless women from realising their full potential.

The Citizen Rising Woman initiative has served as a beacon of hope, empowering women to challenge societal norms, advocate for inclusivity, and champion the rights of those whose voices often go unheard.

Through storytelling and mentorship, Rising Woman has cultivated a supportive network, inspiring the next generation of female leaders to break barriers and redefine success on their terms.

Addressing gender disparities in the workplace requires collaborative and sustained efforts from all stakeholders, and The Citizen Rising Woman Gala Dinner serves as a crucial platform for fostering these conversations.

The event, which marks the culmination of the annual two-month campaign, features insightful panel discussions dedicated to addressing critical issues affecting women's career progression.

This year’s distinguished panel comprises some of Tanzania's most influential corporate leaders and change-makers, who will share their perspectives on bridging the gender gap and driving sustainable progress.

Among the speakers are Managing Partner at Impact Leadership Tanzania, Zuhura Muro; a gender and social inclusion expert at Enabel, Jovitha Mlay; Chief Officer of Mixx by Yas, Angelica Pesha; UN Women Tanzania Deputy Representative. Katherine Gifford; and Founder of MMConnect Africa, Mwamvita Makamba.

The panel session will be skillfully moderated by Founder and CEO of Unleashed Africa Social Enterprises, Khalila Mbowe.

Adding to the evening’s significance, the event will be graced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, who will serve as the guest of honour, emphasising the government's commitment to fostering gender equity and empowerment.

Speaking ahead of the event, Marketing, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Manager at Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL), Edson Sosten, highlighted the uniqueness of this year's gala dinner.

"We have meticulously curated an immersive experience for our esteemed guests, many of whom are key stakeholders in this initiative. The event will not only provide a platform for knowledge-sharing but will also feature interactive sessions and engaging activities aimed at reinforcing Rising Woman's core mission—creating opportunities for women to thrive and excel," he noted.

Further amplifying its reach and impact, this year’s edition of the Rising Woman initiative was launched on February 5 and implemented in strategic partnership with Crown Media, further strengthening its influence and visibility.

A sectoral approach to storytelling

A key highlight of this year’s content strategy was the introduction of a dedicated weekly magazine that spotlighted different industries, ensuring that the narratives of women across various fields were brought to the forefront.

Each edition delved into specific sectors—ranging from healthcare and law to banking, entertainment, and beyond—offering readers an in-depth look into the journeys, experiences, and resilience of women who have defied odds to excel in their respective domains.

By providing this platform, Rising Woman has not only celebrated these trailblazers but has also equipped aspiring professionals with valuable insights and inspiration to carve their own paths to success.

As the evening unfolds, the Rising Woman Gala Dinner stands as a testament to the power of collective effort in shaping a more inclusive and equitable future.

With impactful discussions, inspiring stories, and a shared commitment to accelerating women's impact, this event continues to reinforce the importance of supporting and uplifting women in all spheres of life.