Women encouraged to take the lead in 2025 general election

Dar es Salaam. Women in Tanzania have been encouraged to step forward and contest for various positions in the upcoming general election later this year. This call aims to strengthen their voice and influence in key decision-making bodies.

During a commemoration of International Women’s Day organised by the Tanzania Gender Networking Programme (TGNP), former deputy minister for Community Development, Gender, and Children Ms Shamim Khan emphasised the importance of women's political participation. The event marked 30 years since the Beijing Conference and the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

Ms Khan, who also served as Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, pointed out that while significant progress has been made in advancing women's rights since the Beijing Conference, representation of women in decision-making bodies remains low.

“I urge women to step forward and confidently contest for various positions. It is essential to strengthen our presence in politics and leadership,” she said.

She noted that she was the only elected female Member of Parliament during her tenure, but the number has now increased to 26. She encouraged women to further enhance their political participation by actively engaging in the electoral process.

Regarding Special Seats, Ms Khan proposed that while these seats should be retained, there should be a term limit. She suggested that two terms are sufficient for a Special Seats MP to gain experience before contesting through a constituency.

TGNP’s executive director Lilian Liundi remarked that although Tanzania has made significant strides in the 30 years since the Beijing Conference, challenges remain. She emphasised the need for women to confront cultural biases, economic disparities, and systemic discrimination with unwavering courage and determination.

“Our progress is noteworthy; Tanzania is among the 37 countries worldwide where women occupy roles as Heads of State and Government, representing 21.1 per cent. Additionally, we rank among the 22.7 per cent of countries globally with women as parliamentary speakers. Notably, Tanzania is one of the few nations with a female minister of Defence,” Ms Liundi noted.

As of January 2019, Tanzania ranked second in East Africa, with 36.9 per cent of parliamentary seats held by women, including 26 elected MPs and others from Special Seats. Ms Liundi acknowledged that while the number of elected female parliamentarians has increased from less than 10 per cent to 26, more progress is needed.

She further highlighted that women’s representation in local government is still low, with only 6.5 per cent of councillors being women. Additionally, after the 2019 local government elections, women accounted for only 2.1 per cent of elected village chairpersons, 6.7 per cent of elected hamlet chairpersons, and 12.6 per cent of elected street chairpersons.

Ms Liundi shared positive developments in the fight against violence, notably the reduction of female genital mutilation (FGM) from 18 per cent in 1995 to 6 per cent today, and a decline in early pregnancies from 27 per cent in 1995 to 16 per cent in 2023.

She urged that together, women can dismantle the obstacles they face in advancing their rights and advocate for policies that empower them at all levels of decision-making.

UN Women Country Representative Ms Hodan Addou acknowledged the significant progress achieved since women first convened in Beijing 30 years ago. She highlighted improvements in women’s political participation, increased access to education, health, and economic opportunities, as well as legal reforms including the criminalization of violence against women in politics and the implementation of gender-responsive budgeting.

Ms Addou reaffirmed UN Women's commitment to collaborating with all women’s rights organizations to promote women’s rights, equality, and empowerment throughout Tanzania.