The Tanzania Widows Association (TAWIA) has joined hands with the Media Aid for Indigenous and Pastoralists community (MAIPAC) to prepare for this year’s International Widows Day celebrations, which will see widows climb Mount Kilimanjaro and participate in awareness campaigns nationwide.
TAWIA Executive Director Rose Sarwatt visited MAIPAC offices in Arusha on April 3, 2026, to discuss final preparations for the national commemorations set for June 23 in Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region.
The global observance of International Widows Day, recognised by the United Nations, is an opportunity to highlight the challenges widows face and promote their rights and welfare.
During the meeting, Sarwatt said preparations are already underway and stressed the importance of partnerships with civil society organisations.
“I came to MAIPAC because it has consistently worked with widows, particularly those from marginalised communities. Collaboration is key to making these celebrations meaningful,” she said.
She added that TAWIA has been coordinating closely with the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, as well as the Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner’s Office, to ensure the events run smoothly.
“This year, we will combine a special conference with symbolic activities, including a climb of Mount Kilimanjaro and visits to national parks, to empower widows and raise public awareness,” Sarwatt explained.
The event is expected to attract over 500 widows from across Tanzania, and TAWIA is calling on donors and development partners to support what is described as a historic celebration.
MAIPAC Executive Director Mussa Juma Siwayombe expressed his organisation’s readiness to support the event, noting that MAIPAC has implemented projects involving widows in Monduli, Longido, and Karatu districts.
“We pledge our full cooperation, including mobilising media coverage to ensure the message of International Widows Day reaches every corner of the country,” he said.
MAIPAC Administrative Officer Andrea Ngobole said the organisation, which has over 100 journalist members nationwide, will use the celebration to promote widows’ rights and educate families on the importance of writing wills to prevent disputes after the death of a family member.
The 2026 celebrations are set to unite widows, government representatives, civil society, media practitioners, and development partners, offering a platform to discuss strategies for improving the social, economic, and legal well-being of widows across Tanzania.
