By Prisca Libaga
President Samia Suluhu Hassan is set to lead the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the Tanzania Women Judges Association (Tawja), scheduled to take place in Arusha under the theme “Celebrating Diversity and Solidarity in Gender Equality.”
The five-day event will run from January 19 to 23, 2025, at the Arusha International Conference Centre, preceded by a marathon led by Speaker of Parliament Dr. Tulia Ackson.
Speaking today, December 19, 2024, Tawja Chairperson and Court of Appeal Judge Barke Sahel highlighted that the celebrations will address various issues, including justice and gender equality.
Judge Sahel pointed to the rising number of cases involving rape and sodomy, which have become a growing concern across nearly all regions in the country.
“In recent years, these cases have escalated and are no longer confined to certain regions. They’re widespread, and the numbers are alarmingly high,” she said.
Judge Sahel emphasized that the event would also focus on strategies to combat these crimes and reduce their occurrence. Tawja has been actively addressing these challenges by raising awareness and promoting education on gender equality.
Reflecting on Tawja’s 25-year journey, retired High Court Judge and Chairperson of the National Preparations Committee, Sophia Wambura, highlighted the association’s achievements in fostering gender equality within the judiciary and empowering communities to understand their rights.
“We have promoted equality in judicial leadership and educated the public about their rights in matters such as inheritance, divorce, and other social justice issues,” she stated.
Arusha High Court Judge and Chair of the Local Preparations Committee, Aisha Bade, addressed challenges related to bail, noting that while bail terms are often clear, many accused individuals struggle to meet the requirements, such as securing guarantors or obtaining identification documents. The anniversary event will also include sessions aimed at educating the public on these matters.
The celebrations will bring together women judges and magistrates from mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, as well as international partners, including UN Women, UNDP, and Unicef. This significant milestone for Tawja underscores its commitment to advancing gender equality, justice, and the rights of all individuals in Tanzania.