The Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) has celebrated the significant contributions of women in the conservation and tourism sectors during its participation in the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) held in New York, USA, from March 10 to 21, 2025.
The CSW69, organized by the United Nations through UN Women, brought together global leaders to engage in discussions on women's development worldwide.
TANAPA was represented by a distinguished group of women leaders and experts in the conservation and tourism sectors, including Senior Assistant Commissioner for Conservation Dr. Noelia Myonga, Assistant Commissioner for Conservation CPA Moureen Mwaimale, Senior Conservation Officer Bertiller Massawe, and Chief Park Warden Upendo Msaki.
During the event, TANAPA hosted a session titled “Breaking Barriers: Women, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship in Tanzania’s Tourism Sector.”
Key topics discussed included the efforts of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s Sixth Administration in empowering women, particularly in the tourism sector.
TANAPA also highlighted its successes in advancing conservation efforts, boosting tourism, and increasing revenue through these initiatives.
Furthermore, the women representatives seized the opportunity to emphasize President Samia’s impactful role in promoting Tanzania’s tourism attractions through the films “Tanzania: The Royal Tour” and “Amazing Tanzania.” These films have played a pivotal role in attracting more tourists and investors to the country.
Speaking at the meeting, Senior Assistant Commissioner Dr. Noelia Myonga noted that thanks to the contributions of women in conservation and tourism, ten national parks have been nominated for the World Travel Awards 2025 in eight categories.
These parks include Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Tarangire, Nyerere, Kitulo, Arusha, Katavi, Mahale Mountains, Udzungwa Mountains, and Ruaha. Dr. Myonga encouraged attendees to vote for these parks in support of their bid to win these prestigious awards.
The event was officially opened by Ambassador Gertrude Mongella, former Secretary-General of the Fourth World Conference on Women, held in 1995 in Beijing, China.
TANAPA’s participation in this global event was a significant opportunity to discuss critical issues such as gender equality, international relations, diplomacy, and raising awareness of women’s rights and their essential role in national and global development.
It also underscored the steps Tanzania is taking to ensure women’s inclusion in leadership roles within the tourism and conservation sectors.
The conference concluded with a speech from Ms. Abeida Rashid, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Community Development, Elderly, and Children in Zanzibar.
She urged delegates to continue engaging in discussions about the role of women in leadership, conservation, and the growth of Tanzania’s tourism sector.