Empowering Women and Girls: A Vision for Gender Equality

For All Women and Girls: Advancing Rights, Equality, and Empowerment

DAR ES SALAAM – Thirty years ago, the global community gathered in Beijing with a transformative vision for gender equality. That vision called for a future in which gender equality would be more than a mere aspiration, but a living reality for all. As we mark International Women’s Day and reflect on this landmark moment in history, we celebrate both the remarkable progress made for women and girls and acknowledge the persistent challenges they face.

Since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 1995, Tanzania has seen substantial advancements in women’s rights. More girls are enrolling in and staying in school than ever before, while maternal health has improved significantly. Access to HIV prevention and treatment services for women and girls has expanded, and economic participation for women is on the rise. With increased access to financial services, entrepreneurship opportunities, and formal employment, women are increasingly contributing to the nation’s growth.

Efforts to combat gender-based violence have been enhanced, and women are taking the lead in driving innovation and entrepreneurship, especially in emerging industries and technological sectors. Women’s leadership in government, business, and diplomacy has expanded, with a woman now leading the nation as a powerful symbol of progress. These strides represent collective action and a firm commitment to gender equality.

Despite these significant achievements, barriers still impede full equality. Gender-based violence, discrimination, and unequal access to resources remain persistent challenges. Women and girls in rural and marginalized communities, particularly those living with disabilities, face compounded hardships that require targeted efforts.

This moment represents a unique opportunity. We stand at a defining juncture, where it is within our grasp to become the first generation to achieve full gender equality and ensure that no woman or girl is left behind. To reach this goal, we must accelerate our progress and deepen our commitment to transformative change.

Incremental change is no longer sufficient; bold action is needed to dismantle systemic barriers and empower women and girls across all spheres of life. Investing in girls’ education and women’s economic empowerment is not just an act of fairness—it is a powerful engine of national growth and prosperity.

Providing women and girls with the necessary skills to thrive, particularly in digital literacy and access to technology, will unlock new economic opportunities. Digital skills are essential to breaking down barriers in critical sectors such as finance, e-commerce, and technology—key to Tanzania’s future economic growth.

Women’s financial inclusion has been a primary focus of recent initiatives. From mobile banking to women-focused entrepreneurship programs, opportunities for economic independence are expanding. Women leading businesses don’t just empower themselves—they uplift entire communities, creating jobs, fostering innovation, and contributing to a more resilient economy.

Strengthening the systems that prevent and respond to gender-based violence is equally vital. Every woman, girl, and boy deserves to live free from fear and harm. Tanzania has made important strides in addressing gender-based violence, with new laws and policies protecting victims and holding offenders accountable. However, much more is needed to change societal attitudes and ensure survivors receive the support they need to rebuild their lives.

Community-based interventions, improved access to justice, and support services must be further strengthened to create a society where gender-based violence is no longer tolerated. Expanding women’s leadership in decision-making processes is key to crafting more inclusive and representative policies that contribute to sustainable development.

Increased representation of women in governance, business, and civil society ensures that the voices of half the population are reflected in policies and decisions. Women's leadership is a powerful symbol of empowerment and a testament to what is possible when gender equality is prioritized.

As Tanzania and the global community face the challenges of climate change, women and girls must be at the forefront of solutions. They are key drivers of sustainability, conservation, and environmental resilience, particularly in rural areas, where women are the primary caregivers and managers of natural resources. Yet, women are often excluded from decision-making processes related to climate action—a situation that must be addressed.

One key initiative tackling this challenge is Tanzania’s Clean Cooking Initiative, which aims to reduce reliance on traditional fuels, improve health outcomes, empower women economically, and lower carbon emissions. The program provides sustainable cooking solutions that enhance air quality, reduce health risks from traditional cooking methods, and save valuable time for women and girls who are typically responsible for collecting firewood.

Moreover, women are increasingly leading efforts in renewable energy, with many women-owned businesses working to promote solar energy solutions in remote regions. These grassroots efforts not only contribute to climate change mitigation but also empower women to become entrepreneurs and agents of change in their communities.

Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050 (TDV 2050) sets a bold course for sustainable growth, technological innovation, and human development. Realizing this vision requires placing gender equality at the center of national development efforts.

This necessitates systemic change that redefines social and economic norms to ensure that women and girls have equal opportunities, autonomy, and access to resources. By empowering women and girls as entrepreneurs, leaders, and change-makers, Tanzania will create an inclusive, knowledge-based economy where no one is left behind.

The future of Tanzania—and of the world—depends on the full participation of women and girls in all aspects of society. From education and health to economic empowerment and governance, gender equality must be a central driver of national development.

By eliminating barriers to equality, we can strengthen families, bolster economies, and build thriving communities. As we continue our pursuit of gender equality, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action remains the most transformative global framework for achieving women’s rights.

The goal remains steadfast: ensuring that every individual, regardless of gender or background, including forcibly displaced persons, has the opportunity to reach their full potential. The framework set forth in the Beijing Platform continues to guide our actions, especially in critical areas such as education, health, economy, political participation, and ending violence against women.

Though the progress of the past three decades deserves celebration, the journey is far from complete. Women and girls, particularly those in marginalized communities, continue to face significant obstacles.

Achieving gender equality is a collective responsibility that requires sustained commitment from governments, civil society, the private sector, and individuals. On this International Women’s Day and every day, the UN system in Tanzania stands proudly alongside the government and all partners in driving progress.

We are committed to turning ambition into meaningful change through stronger partnerships, increased investment, and bold actions. Our collective efforts will continue to drive the vision of the Beijing Declaration, championing rights, equality, and empowerment for all women and girls.

By ensuring equal access to education, economic opportunities, healthcare, and leadership roles for women and girls, we will build a brighter and more sustainable future for Tanzania—and the world.

Together, let us create a world where gender equality is no longer a distant dream, but a living reality for every woman and girl.