Opinion Editorial: Mark Bryan Schreiner, UNFPA Representative, United Republic of Tanzania

Dar Es Salaam - Tanzania. As Tanzania joined the world in observing the Women’s month (March), it is essential to reflect on the significant progress made in advancing gender equality while acknowledging the persistent challenges that hinder women’s full participation in society. This year, we celebrate not only the strides made but also the need for greater investment in women's empowerment, leadership, and the fulfillment of their rights—critical elements in achieving the nation’s development goals, ensuring inclusive growth and human capital, and building a more equitable future for all.

Women’s Empowerment: The Cornerstone of Tanzania’s Development

Women’s empowerment is the key to unlocking Tanzania’s full economic and social potential. Across the country, women play a pivotal role in agriculture, entrepreneurship, education, and healthcare. In rural areas, where agriculture employs the majority of Tanzanians, women contribute significantly to food production, yet they often lack access to land ownership, financial resources, and modern farming techniques. Bridging this gap through inclusive policies, training programs, and access to credit will not only enhance productivity but also strengthen the economy.

Beyond economic contributions, women’s empowerment is about dismantling systemic barriers that limit opportunities and choices. Tanzania’s commitment to gender equality through investment in education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and, perhaps most importantly, the freedom to make decisions about their own lives is enshrined in national policies such as the Women and Gender Development Policy and Vision 2025. These commitments are reflected in national policies such as the Women and Gender Development Policy and Vision 2025, which align with global frameworks like the Beijing Declaration, the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. However, translating these policies into meaningful change remains challenging, requiring sustained efforts to ensure real and lasting benefits for women and girls across all regions.

Women’s Leadership: A Path to Equality in Tanzania

True gender equality requires women's active leadership and participation in all spheres of life, from local communities to the highest levels of government. In Tanzania, women have made significant strides in leadership, with increased representation in Parliament, local government, and business. The government’s commitment to ensuring that women hold at least 30% of parliamentary seats is a step in the right direction, but achieving full equality and equity requires further action. 

To foster women’s leadership, mentorship programs, financial inclusion, and gender-responsive policies must be prioritized. Women leaders bring unique perspectives that drive inclusive policymaking, especially in critical areas such as healthcare, education, and economic development. By investing in leadership training and creating platforms for young women to engage in decision-making, Tanzania can build a future where women’s voices are fully integrated into national development.

Gender Equality and Reproductive Rights: Key to Sustainable Development

Achieving gender equality is inseparable from ensuring access to quality education and healthcare, particularly sexual and reproductive health services. Tanzania has made progress in reducing maternal mortality rates, yet many women and girls still face barriers to accessing essential healthcare. 

The ICPD Programme of Action underscores the importance of reproductive rights as fundamental to gender equality. Expanding access to family planning, comprehensive sexual education, and maternal healthcare will empower women and adolescent girls to make informed decisions about their lives and contribute more effectively to society.

Ending Gender-Based Violence: A National Priority 

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a major challenge in Tanzania, affecting women and girls across all socio-economic backgrounds. According to the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey, nearly 40% of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, while child marriage affects approximately 30% of adolescent girls, and female genital mutilation (FGM) persists in some regions. While legislative frameworks, such as the Law of the Child Act and the National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children, provide a foundation for change, effective enforcement and community engagement are crucial.

Ending GBV must be a top priority for governments, policymakers, and society as a whole. It requires a multi-faceted approach that includes stronger legal protections, access to justice for survivors, public awareness campaigns, and community-driven solutions that challenge harmful norms. Faith-based organizations, traditional leaders, and civil society groups have a critical role to play in shifting mindsets and advocating for a violence-free society where women and girls from all spheres of society, including those with disabilities, can thrive–from early childhood through adolescence to old age.

The Road Ahead

As we celebrate the achievements of women on this Women's Month, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a world where gender equality is the norm, not the exception. As Tanzania looks ahead to Vision 2050 and the global Agenda 2030, prioritizing gender equality is not just a moral imperative but an economic and social necessity. The government, private sector, civil society, and development partners must work together to eliminate barriers that hinder women’s advancement. This means investing in education, health, and economic opportunities while ensuring that women are at the center of decision-making processes.

On this Women's Month, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering Tanzanian women and girls. By fostering leadership, strengthening legal protections, and expanding access to education and healthcare, we can create a future where every woman and girl has the opportunity to fulfill her potential. The journey towards gender equality is a collective responsibility—one that requires solidarity, bold action, unwavering commitment, and a shared vision for a just and equitable Tanzania that honors and supports their inherent rights, dignity, and potential.

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Media Inquiries:

Dr. Warren Bright,

UNFPA Communications Analyst,

United Republic of Tanzania

Mobile: +255 764 43 44 45 

Email: bwarren@unfpa.org