The Speaker of the Parliament of Tanzania and President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Dr. Tulia Ackson, has urged world leaders and communities to take concrete steps toward achieving gender equality.
She emphasized that commitments made in national and international forums should not remain as mere discussions but must be implemented to create meaningful change in society.
Dr. Tulia delivered these remarks on March 15, 2025, while addressing the First Women's Parliamentarians Conference held in Mexico City.
The event, hosted at the Presidential Hall, was officially opened by Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum.
The conference brought together female parliamentarians from various countries to discuss challenges and opportunities in advancing gender equality.
In her speech, Dr. Tulia underscored that gender equality is not just an ideal to aspire to but a fundamental necessity for sustainable development.
She pointed out that no nation can achieve full progress if half of its population is marginalized. Ensuring equal opportunities for men and women, she stated, is key to economic growth, social stability, and a just society.
She emphasized the need for practical policies that remove barriers preventing women from fully participating in economic and political spheres.
According to Dr. Tulia, societies that prioritize gender equality experience faster economic growth and greater social harmony.
She urged leaders to implement inclusive policies that support women in leadership, education, and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Tulia also praised Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, for her leadership in promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality.
She commended her efforts in ensuring that women play a central role in decision-making processes, setting an example for other nations to follow.
She further called on global leaders to make gender equality a priority in their development agendas. She stressed that achieving equality requires more than policy changes—it demands a transformation in societal attitudes and the elimination of harmful stereotypes that hinder women's progress.
She encouraged collective action from governments, institutions, and communities to create environments where women and girls can thrive.
Speaking directly to female parliamentarians, Dr. Tulia urged them to use their positions of influence to advocate for fair laws and policies that protect and empower women.
She highlighted that when more women hold leadership positions, decision-making becomes more inclusive, leading to policies that benefit all members of society.
In her concluding remarks, Dr. Tulia reminded participants that gender equality is not just a women's issue—it is a societal issue that benefits everyone.
She emphasized that when women are given equal opportunities, entire communities prosper. She called for stronger collaboration among nations to accelerate progress, ensuring that every individual, regardless of gender, has the chance to contribute to national and global development.
The First Women's Parliamentarians Conference provided a valuable platform for female leaders to share insights, exchange ideas, and develop strategies to promote gender equality worldwide.
Discussions focused on critical areas such as economic empowerment, political representation, and legal reforms that uphold equal rights.
Dr. Tulia’s speech reinforced the urgency of translating commitments into real action. She encouraged world leaders to take bold steps in fostering inclusive societies, stating that gender equality is not just a goal—it is a necessity for a better future.
She concluded by affirming that with strong political will and collective efforts, a fair and just world for all can be achieved.
