Women in the country have been cautioned against neglecting their responsibilities to children and families due to their involvement in economic activities.

This was stated by the Minister of Social Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Hon. Dr. Dorothy Gwajima, who was speaking on behalf of the Speaker of the Parliament, Hon. Tulia Akson, at the Women’s Festival, known as the Kitchen Party Gala, held in Dodoma on 18 May 2024.

Minister Dr. Gwajima has encouraged women to assume their role as primary educators of children, with the goal of fostering a more just and moral society, free from the scourge of street children.

“My fellow women, in light of our responsibilities, it is imperative that we do not neglect our obligation to provide our children with an adequate education. “Let us recall that the primary caretaker in the family is typically a woman. Consequently, the economic empowerment and other benefits we may attain should not lead us to neglect our fundamental responsibility of ensuring an adequate education for our children.” Minister Dr. Gwajima emphasised.

In discussing the topic of women’s economic empowerment, Minister Dr. Gwajima has highlighted the challenges women face in accessing information, particularly in comparison to men. This lack of access has been identified as a significant barrier to women’s utilisation of the opportunities provided by the government, non-governmental institutions and other authorities. Similarly, a dearth of information results in societal groups, including women, children, and marginalised populations, being deprived of their fundamental rights.

She has advised all stakeholders to continue investing in initiatives designed to ensure that women have access to accurate and reliable information, which will enable them to create robust economic and social systems.

Furthermore, she has encouraged women to register or update their information in the permanent register of voters, to compete for various leadership positions at the local level, and to vote for the leaders they believe will best serve their interests.

In relation to the issue of gender equality, Minister Dr. Gwajima has stated that the Government of the sixth phase, led by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Her excellency DR, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has created an enabling environment for women and children through the National Gender and Women’s Development Policy of 2023. This policy has provided direction and priorities for the creation of a society with justice and gender equality, thereby enabling women to benefit from social, political, cultural and economic opportunities.

She has specified a number of items within the policy, including the promotion of gender equality in access to economic opportunities and capital for women and men, the eradication of all forms of gender violence, including violence on the internet, the establishment of a society that respects equality and justice for all.

Furthermore, she has mentioned the importance of strengthening the participation of women at all levels of leadership and decision-making, promoting gender equality in access to quality education and training, improving integrated health services, including reproductive health and non-communicable diseases for women and men, strengthening the use of technology in empowering women, and strengthening systems for the collection, maintenance and use of gender statistics.

Furthermore, the Member of Parliament for Dodoma City and the Minister of Mines, Hon. Anthony Mavunde, has encouraged women to capitalise on the opportunities presented by mining activities, including the distribution of goods and services in mining areas.

In a separate forum, Dina Marios, the renowned radio and television presenter and coordinator of the Kitchen Party Gala, highlighted the initiative’s objective to educate the community, particularly women, about gender-based violence. She also urged the government to collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure the delivery of education to all.

Tanzania Media