The ongoing Women’s Week celebrations in Arusha received a significant visit from the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office for Labor, Youth, Employment, and Persons with Disabilities, Ridhiwan Kikwete, who took the opportunity to visit the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, and Coordination) booth at the exhibition.
The event, taking place at the Sheikh Amri Abeid Grounds, is an essential part of the national celebrations for International Women's Day, a day that recognizes the remarkable contributions of women and girls across the globe.
The exhibition, showcasing various organizations and initiatives aimed at empowering women and promoting gender equality, has been a platform for discussing progress, challenges, and the future of women’s rights in Tanzania.
As part of the ongoing festivities, Kikwete’s visit to the booth emphasized the importance of government efforts in supporting women’s empowerment through strategic policies, legislative reforms, and the promotion of gender equality in various sectors.
During his visit, Ridhiwan Kikwete expressed his commitment to ensuring that women and youth, especially those with disabilities, have better access to opportunities and resources that will enable them to thrive in all areas of life.
Speaking to the attendees, he said, "It is critical that we continue to create an inclusive environment where women, youth, and persons with disabilities are provided with equal opportunities to succeed in both their personal and professional lives.
We are working to strengthen the policies that support these groups and ensure that they are actively involved in nation-building."
The national celebrations are not just limited to showcasing achievements, but also act as a time to reflect on the progress made in advancing women’s rights and the areas that require more attention.
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is "Women and Girls 2025: Strengthening Rights, Equality, and Empowerment," a theme that calls for further efforts towards achieving gender parity in various spheres, including education, health, economic participation, and political leadership.
The event highlights the government's continued focus on supporting women’s rights and empowerment through various policies, including those in the areas of education, healthcare, employment, and social protection.
“As a country, we have made tremendous strides in advancing the rights of women and girls, but we must remain dedicated to the work ahead.
Women’s empowerment is not only about improving their individual lives but also about strengthening the entire society,” said Kikwete.
This year’s International Women’s Day celebration in Arusha holds particular significance as the city has become a focal point for discussions on women’s issues in Tanzania.
The region's participation in these celebrations highlights the government's commitment to inclusivity and promoting gender equality at the national level.
It also reinforces the fact that women’s rights are human rights, and the promotion of such rights should be a collective effort by everyone in society.
The event's Guest of Honor, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, is expected to address the nation on March 8th, delivering a powerful message about the role of women in shaping the future of Tanzania.
The president’s involvement in this year’s celebration further underscores the Tanzanian government's dedication to ensuring that women and girls continue to thrive, empowered with the tools necessary to shape their futures.
As the celebration continues, the commitment of both government officials and the public is evident in their shared determination to improve the lives of women and girls in Tanzania.
Through continued efforts, collaboration, and policy reform, Tanzania is paving the way for a more inclusive future for all its citizens.