PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has called for stronger collective efforts to advance women’s rights and equality, saying empowering women and girls is essential for achieving the country’s development goals.
In her message to mark International Women’s Day (IWD) yesterday, the President said ensuring equal opportunities for women and girls’ remains vital for building inclusive and sustainable development.
The commemoration in Tanzania this year is guided by the national theme, “Rights and Equality for Women and Girls: An Inclusive Foundation for Achieving Vision 2050,” while globally it is observed under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls.”
“Achieving the country’s longterm development aspirations requires promoting equality, protecting women’s rights and encouraging a culture of solidarity and support within communities,” President Samia said.
She said that women play a central role in families and society as caregivers, leaders and contributors to economic and social development. “Women nurture families, communities and nations, and their contribution is fundamental to the development of our society,” she said.
The president also highlighted the importance of strengthening efforts to protect the health and well-being of mothers and children across the country.
She said her role as the African Union Champion for Maternal, Child and Reproductive Health provides an opportunity to mobilise collective efforts aimed at reducing preventable maternal and child deaths and improving access to quality healthcare services for women and children.
“This responsibility calls for mobilising collective efforts to reduce preventable maternal and child deaths and ensure that every mother and child enjoys the right to quality healthcare,” she said.
President Samia urged women from different sectors, including entrepreneurs, farmers, professionals, teachers and healthcare workers, to continue working together in promoting initiatives that support women’s empowerment and protect the health of mothers and children.
She also called on community leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to encourage cooperation and support programmes that promote education, health and economic empowerment for women and girls.
According to the president, empowering women and investing in their well-being contributes significantly to national development and the creation of stronger communities.
She further emphasised the importance of encouraging women to support one another through networks, associations and various community platforms to advance development initiatives and strengthen social solidarity.
President Samia concluded by wishing women in Tanzania and around the world a meaningful and inspiring International Women’s Day