African Union Special Envoy for Women, Peace and Security, Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, has emphasised the critical role of sports in improving public health, promoting education and accelerating community development, calling for greater support for women athletes across the country.
Ambassador Mulamula made the remarks in Dar es Salaam during the annual 'Ladies First' athletics festival for women, an event supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and bringing together athletes from various regions.
“I am delighted to join this important festival for women athletes,” she said.
“Sports are essential in building good health, inspiring education and driving development. We must take this seriously by protecting our health and encouraging progress for everyone,” she added.
She said women’s participation in sports contributes not only to physical wellbeing but also to confidence-building, leadership and community transformation.
This year’s event was led by the Deputy Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Hamis Mwinjuma, accompanied by key sector leaders, including the Executive Secretary of the National Sports Council, Neema Msitha, President of the Tanzania Athletics Federation, Rogath Stephen, veteran marathon icon Col. Juma Ikangaa, and JICA’s Chief Representative in Tanzania, Hitoshi Ara.
The festival, held annually, was founded by legendary Tanzanian marathoner Juma Ikangaa with support from JICA, with the aim of promoting women’s participation in sports as a pathway to health, education and social development.
Organisers say the event continues to serve as a platform to empower young women, nurture talent and strengthen community awareness on the value of sports in national development.