THE government has expressed its commitment towards promoting gender equality and ensuring that women have equal opportunities to participate in all levels of decision-making.

 Riziki Pembe Juma, Zanzibar’s Minister for Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children said this in Dar es Salaam yesterday at the International Day of Women in Diplomacy.

She said that her government has implemented policies and programmes aimed at empowering women, and we continue to support initiatives that advance their roles in diplomacy and international relations. 

 “Our journey towards gender parity has been marked by unwavering commitment, innovative policies, and the collective efforts of our government, civil societies and international partners,” she said. 

 “We have made remarkable strides in the area of education, where we have achieved near parity in primary school enrolment between boys and girls,” she added, saying that economically, Tanzania has implemented various initiatives aimed at empowering women and promoting their participation in the workforce.

 She further said that politically, the government has made commendable progress in increasing women's representation in decision-making positions.

 She said that the government's commitment to gender parity in leadership is reflected in the growing number of women holding key roles in government, and parliament. 

 “We remain committed to addressing the challenges that persist, such as gender-based violence, discrimination, and unequal access to resources and opportunities,” she said.

 Foreign Affairs and East Africa Cooperation Minister January Makamba said that it was the first time Tanzania joined other countries to commemorate the International Day of Women in Diplomacy since it was proclaimed by the United Nations.

 Makamba said that Tanzania recognizes the role and contribution of women in leadership, noting that Tanzania has made significant strides through prioritizing gender equality by working up on challenges hindering the initiative.

 “The government in collaboration with development partners has undertaken deliberate efforts to empower women for leadership positions, especially through the training,” he said.

 UN Women Tanzania Deputy Country Representative Katherine Gifford said that women have been playing in global governance since the drafting and the signing of the United Nations charter in 1945 and even before the immense insights, situations, and benefits of diplomacy.

 She said according to the 2023 Women in Diplomacy Index, women make up only 21 percent of ambassadors and permanent representatives globally. 

 “This illustrates that we are still far from equality in top diplomatic posts,” she said.
 She said out of 193 members of states in the United Nations, only 34 percent serve as elected Heads of State or government.