The Speaker of the Parliament of Tanzania and President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Dr. Tulia Ackson, has strongly called for leaders to stop discouraging women and girls who are striving to build a better future in leadership.
She stated, "Leaders in power must stop telling negative stories that weaken the confidence of women aspiring to leadership. Instead, they should see themselves as role models and supporters who help uplift women and girls, providing them with the encouragement and opportunities they need to succeed."
Dr. Tulia made these remarks on March 16, 2025, as she delivered her closing address at the first-ever Women Parliamentarians Conference of the IPU, held at the Hilton Hotel in Mexico.
The conference brought together parliamentarians from around the world to discuss the advancement of gender equality in leadership.
Dr. Tulia’s message was clear: leaders must act as mentors and supporters to help women and girls overcome the barriers they face in leadership roles.
She said, "Rather than focusing solely on the challenges women face, we need to create an environment where women feel motivated, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential in leadership."
She also highlighted the vital role of leadership in driving societal change. "Leadership is key to transforming societies, and we cannot forget that women and girls often face unique challenges when they aspire to lead. Instead of reinforcing these challenges, we must create an environment that builds confidence and provides women with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed."
Dr. Tulia stressed the importance of ensuring that the resolutions made at the conference are followed by real actions.
"The resolutions we have made here are critical, but they cannot remain empty promises. We must turn these resolutions into tangible actions and ensure they are part of a long-term commitment to gender equality in leadership," she emphasized.
Dr. Tulia also urged that everyone involved must actively create space for women to excel.
"Each leader has a responsibility to ensure that women have the opportunities they need to succeed. When we support and guide women, we help them break down barriers and create a more inclusive political landscape," she said.
The conference concluded with a commitment from global leaders, including cultural groups, to implement the resolutions that were agreed upon.
"This commitment marks the beginning of a long-term, ongoing process toward gender equality in leadership," Dr. Tulia noted. "These resolutions are not a one-time action but should be integrated into regular systems and practices."
In her final remarks, Dr. Tulia urged, "It is not enough to talk about empowering women – we must take action.
We must provide the support and opportunities necessary for women to succeed in leadership. By doing so, we can build a more inclusive, dynamic world where women have the chance to lead and shape the future.
Empowering women is not just the right thing to do; it is essential for creating stronger, more successful societies for everyone."