President Samia Suluhu Hassan has reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to gender equality, especially for youth, marking 30 years since the Beijing Conference. She highlights the importance of collective efforts to cultivate values of equality and respects among the younger generation. The government is prioritizing land ownership for women and advancing universal healthcare. Additionally, initiatives led by Dr. Dorothy Gwajima focus on women’s economic empowerment and the establishment of legal aid for abuse victims.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan emphasized the ongoing efforts to advance gender equality in Tanzania, particularly focusing on youth, following three decades since the Beijing Conference. She advocated for collective action among Tanzanians to foster a generation that values equality and engages in constructive dialogue, which she believes is crucial for the sustainability of women’s empowerment.
During the national commemoration of International Women’s Day, President Hassan acknowledged the significant progress made in women’s rights and representation in government and the private sector. However, she stressed the urgency of nurturing young individuals who can meaningfully engage in discussions about gender equality, rather than merely voicing their opinions.
In her address, President Hassan also called attention to essential reforms, including prioritizing land ownership for women to enhance their societal equality. Furthermore, she highlighted the government’s commitment to advancing universal healthcare to ensure all Tanzanians have access to necessary services.
Addressing the perceived decline in youth moral values, she encouraged the cultivation of self-reliance and socially acceptable principles among children, irrespective of regional, ethnic, or religious backgrounds. The President asserted that gender equality should be treated as a constitutional matter rather than a mere individual issue.
Minister for Community Development, Gender, and Special Groups, Dr. Dorothy Gwajima, elaborated on the annual theme for this year, focusing on economic empowerment and rights of women and girls. Celebratory activities commenced on March 1, featuring forums across seven regions that aimed to tackle challenges faced by women while promoting their economic independence.
Dr. Gwajima stressed the establishment of platforms for women to exhibit their handmade products and gain insights from successful female role models. Additionally, she highlighted the Samia Legal Aid campaign that provides legal support to women who have experienced abuse.
Arusha Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda noted that preparations for Women’s Day included over 400 booths offering educational and legal services. He appealed to President Hassan for support in establishing legal aid camps throughout Arusha to assist those lacking resources to address their legal needs effectively.
Mr. Makonda shared his observations regarding the widespread legal challenges faced by citizens due to ignorance of their rights and the inability to hire legal professionals. He urged the President to allocate funding for legal aid to ensure equitable access to justice for all.
In summary, President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s address marks a significant commitment to fostering gender equality in Tanzania, particularly among the youth. Her emphasis on collective responsibility and engagement underscores the necessity for societal transformation. Furthermore, the initiatives outlined by Minister Dr. Dorothy Gwajima reflect a comprehensive approach to economic empowerment and legal support for women, indicating ongoing progress and dedication to achieving equality.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
