As Tanzania prepares to usher in its long-term development framework Vision 2050 the Tanzania Gender Networking Programme (TGNP) has taken a strategic lead in ensuring that gender equality remains at the heart of national planning and budgeting.
In a high-level dialogue held today, TGNP convened stakeholders from civil society, government institutions, academia, and women’s groups to critically assess the 2025/26 national budget through a gender lens.
The session also served as a platform to reflect on the achievements and gaps under the current National Development Vision 2025 (TDV 2025), while laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and equitable Vision 2050.
Data presented during the dialogue painted a promising, yet complex, picture. Women’s participation in income-generating activities has risen from 67 percent in 2000 to 80.2 percent in 2023 a significant leap that suggests inclusive budgetary policies can catalyze economic empowerment.
However, concerns were raised over the consistency and sufficiency of actual budget disbursements, especially in areas targeting women and marginalized populations.
Opening the dailogue, TGNP Board Chairperson Ms. Gema Akilimali stressed that gender-responsive budgeting must go beyond tokenism.
“A gender-sensitive budget starts from planning to execution. It must actively include women and other marginalized groups in every stage of the process,” she said.
Akilimali warned of a disconnect between budget estimates and actual disbursements, noting that while projections may seem ambitious, the funds released often fall short.
“Our role is to hold institutions accountable, ensuring that funds serve their intended purpose,” she added.
TGNP Executive Director Ms. Lilian Liundi underscored the need for systemic change as Tanzania charts its development path to 2050.
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| Executive Director (ED) of Tanzania Gender Networking Programme (TGNP) Ms.Lilian Liundi addressing the dialogue |
“If the new vision is to be truly inclusive, gender equity must be a non-negotiable foundation. We must ask: Are women meaningfully involved in decision-making? Are resources being allocated based on the diverse needs of all Tanzanians?” she queried.
Liundi reiterated TGNP’s commitment to working closely with the government and development partners to ensure women's voices are heard and counted, not just as beneficiaries, but as key agents of development.
Participants acknowledged several gains made over the past two decades, including increased female representation in male-dominated fields such as engineering, and reforms to local government finance laws that have expanded access to credit for women.
However, multiple challenges persist.
Among the most pressing issues raised were bureaucratic delays in accessing the 4-4-2 youth and women loans, low levels of land ownership among women, still at just 8 percent and a lack of clear, accessible data on gender allocations in the national budget.
These gaps, stakeholders warned, could undermine Tanzania’s efforts to build an inclusive economy if left unaddressed.
The 2025/26 budget, valued at Tsh 57.02 trillion, outlines priorities for promoting gender equity and empowering vulnerable groups.
Yet TGNP expressed concern over underinvestment in key productive and social sectors—particularly industry, trade, and social protection which are critical to achieving inclusive and competitive economic growth.
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| One of the participants sharing his views during the dialogue |
A policy paper presented by gender economist Makumba Mwemezi called for a more centralized and strategic approach to gender equity. He proposed the creation of a National Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Plan to ensure coherence and visibility in implementation.
“Gender issues should not be scattered across sectors as afterthoughts. We need a unified national strategy that aligns with our development goals,” Mwemezi argued.
While recognizing progress in sectors such as education and water, Mwemezi highlighted the need for quality and sustainability.
“Despite the free education policy, over 148,000 students dropped out of school in 2023. We must improve both access and quality,” he noted.
In the water sector, rural access to clean water has increased from 53 percent in 2003 to 72 percent in 2022, yet one-third of water sources remain non-functional—a gap that disproportionately affects women and girls.
Karoli Kadenge from Wajibu Institute echoed the call for re-prioritization, urging the government to direct more resources toward social services in the remaining phase of the Third Five-Year Development Plan (FYDP III).
“To drive inclusive growth, we must strengthen health, education, and water services. These are the foundations of equity,” he said.
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| Karoli Kadenge presenting his insights during the dialogue |
Participants emphasized that women should not be seen merely as recipients of development, but as full partners and leaders in shaping the country’s future.
TGNP and its partners pledged to continue pushing for accountability, transparency, and gender equity in the national development agenda, ensuring no one is left behind in the journey toward a more just, inclusive, and prosperous Tanzania.
