Tanzania is preparing to hold a series of training sessions and a high-level conference aimed at increasing women’s participation in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and decision-making both within and beyond the country.
The announcement was made today by Godson Nyange, Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Tanzania International Arbitration Centre (TIAC), during a press briefing at Wakili House in Dar es Salaam. The events are scheduled to take place from March 24 to 27, 2026.
The conference, set for March 27, 2026, will be held under the theme, “From Dialogue to Action: Advancing Women’s Inclusion in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).”
It will bring together legal experts, policymakers, business leaders, ADR practitioners, and professionals from various sectors to examine strategies for enhancing women’s involvement in arbitration, mediation, and other ADR processes.
The conference will be preceded by three days of training from March 24 to 26 at the same venue, focusing on “Building Capacity and Confidence for Women in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).”
According to Nyange, historically, ADR has been male-dominated, with women underrepresented in arbitration, mediation, and high-level decision-making roles. Global and African studies show that approximately 72% of arbitrators in Africa are men, while only 28% are women.
In major international arbitration institutions, women account for about 29–34% of appointments.
Speaking on behalf of the Office of the Government Attorney (OWMS), Mercy Kyamba, Assistant Director – Quality Control, highlighted that the collaboration between OWMS and TIAC is intended to strengthen women’s roles in ADR.
“These training sessions and the conference will equip women with practical knowledge, skills, and confidence to participate effectively in dispute resolution processes,” Kyamba said.
Key training topics will include arbitration and mediation fundamentals, negotiation and conflict management skills, professional ethics, accreditation pathways, and strategies for building confidence and professional presence in ADR.
The conference will serve as a high-level platform to discuss enhancing women’s participation in ADR. Panel discussions will address institutional support, mentorship opportunities, professional networking, and the broader impact of gender diversity on justice delivery and commercial trust.
TIAC Executive Director Magreth Magoma emphasized that the initiative is part of broader efforts to promote ADR practices in Tanzania and across East Africa.
“Our goal is to develop a reliable and inclusive dispute resolution system that supports justice access, business certainty, and investment growth,” Magoma said.
Magoma noted that under Tanzania’s 2020 Arbitration Act, all ADR practitioners must be accredited by the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs.
Since its implementation in 2021, the Ministry has accredited 444 men and 89 women in arbitration; 162 men and 38 women in negotiation; and 142 men and 56 women, plus 77 men and 14 women, in mediation roles.
The upcoming training and conference will underscore the importance of gender balance in ADR, explore strategies to increase women’s leadership and participation, and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive dispute resolution system.
