Women aspirants urged to overcome political hurdles in Tanzania

Unguja. As the electoral process of collecting and returning nomination forms continues, women aspiring for positions of president, representative and councillor through different political parties in Zanzibar have been given strategies on how to engage audiences and remain resilient in the face of ridicule and economic obstacles.

Speaking at a training session on September 3, 2025, the Director of the Tanzania Media Women’s Association (Tamwa ZNZ), Dr Mzuri Issa, said women face numerous challenges in politics, including negative cultural perceptions about female leadership.

“Economic barriers, verbal abuse, and even online harassment should not discourage us. Instead, these should motivate us to prove that women have the strength, ability and courage to lead,” she said.

She added that research consistently shows women leaders to be honest, hardworking, and socially conscious, often preferring dialogue and reconciliation over conflict—qualities that foster cohesion and bring benefits to society as a whole.

“We are calling upon the people of Zanzibar and Tanzania at large to support women candidates during this election. Let us collectively create a friendly environment for women and people with disabilities, so that every eligible citizen can vote, be voted for, and participate fully in the entire electoral process,” Dr Issa urged.

A facilitator of the training, Dr Salum Suleiman Ali of the State University of Zanzibar (Suza), said leadership is not an easy path for women as they face resistance rooted in religion and tradition.

“It is no small feat to stand before the masses and persuade them to elect you. It requires courage and determination without fear,” he said.

He advised women to familiarise themselves with election-related laws so that when they make claims or address issues, they speak from a position of legal understanding.

“Unfortunately, many women prioritise party or personal interests rather than advancing the cause of women as a collective,” he noted.

Some participants said the most difficult stage for women is during party nomination processes, where many face rejection and political downfall.

“Men still do not fully believe that women can lead. That is why we often stumble during internal party processes. But once you break through, it becomes much easier on larger platforms,” said Mwanakhamis Msellem Ramadhan.

Her views were echoed by Khadija Ali of ACT Wazalendo, who said all parties are affected, with some women even siding with men to undermine their female colleagues.

Another facilitator, Halima Msellem, urged women to change their mindset and abandon divisive tendencies that weaken their chances of gaining wider support.

“We must stop creating factions. How can you ask for someone’s vote while at the same time showing animosity towards them? Let us change, stop lamenting, and avoid self-pity on the political stage,” she said.

The training was organised by stakeholders promoting women’s participation in politics and leadership in Zanzibar in collaboration with the Norwegian Embassy in Tanzania.

Other partners included the Zanzibar Association of Women with Disabilities (Juwauza), the Zanzibar Female Lawyers Association (Zafela), and the Pemba Gender Advocacy and Environmental Organisation (Pegao).