His Excellency President, Dr. Jakaya Kikwete exchanging views with DSW staff and beneficiaries. To the right: DSW Tanzania’s Country Director Peter Owaga
In Tanzania, the International women’s day was marked nationally on 8th March 2015 at Morogoro region. The celebrations were graced by His Excellency the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete. DSW Tanzania joined development partners, stakeholders and women in Morogoro region to reflect the achievements and challenges of 20 years of Beijing women declaration and progress of Agenda 2063 -The Africa We Want.
The week also saw the organization of a symposium and exhibition launched by the Minister for Community Development, Gender and Children (CDGC) Ms. Sophia Simba. In her speech she said ‘there is considerable progress for equal opportunities among women and men to own properties and participate in economic activities….the government have empowered women in leadership positions, education and economy”.
DSW Tanzania presented an abstract on the importance of Women Resource Centers as alternative services and information delivery points and a poster presentation on Women Economic Empowerment by integrating Sexual and Reproductive Health interventions to women and girls working in informal sector to increase their participation in economy.
DSW called for stakeholders to develop appropriate strategies focusing and tailored programming to women and girls as well to prioritize women issues on development plans beyond 2015. Women and Girls representatives from DSW operation districts shared their experiences during the symposium sessions, exhibiting their services and products and expanding network.
His Excellency President Dr. Jakaya Kikwete reaffirmed that the Government will continue empowering women in all sectors to alleviate them from poverty and ensure all are empowered. He appealed also government officials to operationalize policies and enforce laws that restore women dignity and rights. “….as we mark this day we should all know that empowering women is their right, they deserve to be top leaders, respected and valued.”
Tanzania has made great strides in empowering women and ranks amongst the top in Africa.
