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Women from the Hadzabe community living in the Eyasi area, Karatu District, Arusha Region, have raised their voices during the International Women's Day celebrations, appealing to President Samia Suluhu to hear their cries.
Speaking at a women's day forum held in Qandet village, Eyasi, Karatu District—organized by the Media Initiative for Marginalized Communities (MAIPAC) in collaboration with SAVVY FM radio station—the women expressed numerous challenges they face.
Maria Yona, Secretary of the Hadzabe in Eyasi, pleaded with President Samia to help them secure land, access water and food, and prevent the invasion of their ancestral land.
"We wish to see President Samia, our fellow woman, so we can explain to her the hardships we Hadzabe women face. We lack water, land, and food," she said.
She further explained that their ancestral land is increasingly being encroached upon by farmers, leaving them without access to traditional food sources such as fruits, roots, and honey.
Maria emphasized that Hadzabe women are extremely poor and have never benefited from small council loans like other women.
Mdindi Samboga, Chairman of the Hadzabe Community, urged the government to grant them legal ownership of their land, just like other communities.
"Our fellow Hadzabe in Yaeda Chini, Mbulu District, have received customary land ownership certificates, which protect them from invasions. We ask for the same support," he said.
Another Hadzabe community member, Ng’o Nkoo, admitted they do not fully understand the significance of International Women's Day since they have never actively participated in such events. However, he emphasized that their struggles are immense.
"We have no land, no food, and young men cannot marry because they lack wildlife and honey for dowries. The root cause of this is the continued invasion of our ancestral land," he stated.
Kassim Miraji, the Community Development Officer for Baray Ward, acknowledged that Hadzabe women have not yet accessed financial support and promised to work on their request.
"President Samia Suluhu’s government has allocated loan funds for women. In this area, it is my responsibility to ensure they benefit, and starting today, I commit to helping them form groups to access these loans," he said.
Daniel Hhawu, Chairman of the Tourism Board in the Lake Eyasi area, confirmed that the Hadzabe community, including women, faces numerous challenges despite being a key tourist attraction.
"It is true that their land is being invaded, and they are struggling to access food. However, land issues fall under the government's jurisdiction. As a tourism board, we do not handle land matters, but we appeal for support for them," he said.
Mussa Juma, Director of MAIPAC, stated that their organization has reached out to the Hadzabe community to understand their challenges, particularly those affecting women and children.
"They have highlighted land invasions, lack of water, loss of traditional food sources, and other essential services. We have also encouraged them to participate in the upcoming general elections by contesting for various positions," he said.
Speaking at the forum, SAVVY FM’s Acting Manager, Neema Twazihirwa, affirmed that their radio station, in partnership with MAIPAC, will continue to amplify the voices of the Hadzabe community regarding their grievances.
Twazihirwa stated that, as media professionals, they will produce special programs to highlight the struggles of the Hadzabe community and seek various forms of assistance for them.
During the celebrations, MAIPAC and SAVVY FM also provided various supplies to Hadzabe women and children.
As part of the preparations for the national International Women's Day celebrations, MAIPAC and SAVVY FM, with support from partners including UN Women staff, facilitated the transportation of Hadzabe women to attend the national event in Arusha on March 8 at Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium, where President Samia Suluhu Hassan will be the guest of honor.