DAR ES SALAAM: Samia Suluhu Hassan, president of Tanzania, has called for stronger collective efforts to advance women’s rights and gender equality, saying empowering women and girls is essential to achieving the country’s long-term development goals.
In a message marking International Women’s Day on Saturday, Samia said ensuring equal opportunities for women and girls remains vital for building inclusive and sustainable development.
This year’s commemoration in Tanzania is guided by the national theme “Rights and Equality for Women and Girls: An Inclusive Foundation for Achieving Vision 2050,” while the global theme is “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls.”
“Achieving the country’s long-term development aspirations requires promoting equality, protecting women’s rights and encouraging a culture of solidarity and support within communities,” Samia said.
She said 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,” the president said.
Samia also stressed the importance of strengthening efforts to protect the health and well-being of mothers and children across the country.
She noted that her role as the African Union Champion for Maternal, Child and Reproductive Health provides an opportunity to mobilise collective action to reduce preventable maternal and child deaths and improve access to quality healthcare services.
“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 health care,” she said.
The president urged women across sectors — including entrepreneurs, farmers, professionals, teachers and healthcare workers — to work together to promote initiatives that support women’s empowerment and protect maternal and child health.
She also called on community leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to strengthen cooperation in programmes that promote education, healthcare and economic empowerment for women and girls.
According to Samia, investing in women’s well-being contributes significantly to national development and helps build stronger communities.
She further encouraged women to support one another through networks, associations and community platforms to advance development initiatives and strengthen social solidarity.
Samia wished women in Tanzania and around the world a meaningful and inspiring International Women’s Day.