President Samia's Leadership: Women's Empowerment in Focus

As Tanzania marks 30 years since the Beijing Declaration, President Samia Suluhu Hassan reflects on the progress made and the path forward in empowering women, particularly in leadership roles. She notes that the Beijing conference highlighted the gender imbalance in leadership, and this milestone year offers a valuable opportunity for introspection and assessment of the strides made towards equality.

Since assuming office on March 19, 2021, President Samia has firmly supported the increasing presence of women in decision-making roles. “When I think about where we started, women were not given space in leadership,” President Samia said. “But thanks to advocacy and education, people are now recognizing the critical role women play, from the family level to national leadership.”

As the world prepares to observe International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025, the theme this year is "Women and Girls 2025: Strengthening Rights, Equality, and Empowerment." This theme underscores the global push to promote equality in all spheres and empower women through access to rights and leadership opportunities.

For Asha Dachi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Government Newspaper Corporation (TSN), the progress seen under President Samia's leadership is undeniable. Dachi commends the growing involvement of women in leadership positions, especially following the president's rise to power. She reflects on how women are increasingly being trusted with high-level roles in government, a trend that shows significant promise for the future.

As President Samia continues to appoint women to key positions, Dachi highlights how these women, motivated by their leader's trust and commitment, are excelling in their roles. “When women are appointed to leadership positions, they feel a profound sense of responsibility,” Dachi explains. “This is because President Samia’s leadership style is inspiring. She leads with integrity and passion, and it drives us to perform at our best.”

At the helm of Tanzania’s judicial reforms, President Samia’s appointments of female judges have garnered praise for their professionalism and contributions. During the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed judges in 2022 at Chamwino, Dodoma, she noted that many of the selected women judges stood out for their expertise and dedication. This move has already yielded tangible results, with fewer public complaints regarding the judiciary.

According to data from the Tanzania Judiciary, the gender gap in the judiciary is narrowing. As of March 2024, women represented 37% of the Court of Appeal judges and 35% of the High Court judges. The judiciary has witnessed a steady increase in female representation, signaling a positive shift toward gender equality within the institution.

Dachi, whose organization is at the forefront of advancing women in media, speaks proudly of how women are increasingly stepping into leadership positions, proving their capabilities. She emphasizes that women in Tanzania are not only excelling in government positions but also making a significant impact in the corporate and entrepreneurial sectors.

“For years, it was believed that women were less capable in leadership roles, but the reality is the opposite,” Dachi states. “Women are stepping up, excelling, and proving their strength in leadership. And as they rise, we see the societal perception of women in leadership shift.”

Dachi believes that this shift is embodied by President Samia, whose leadership is a model for others to follow. She observes that women appointed by the president feel a strong sense of duty to support her agenda. The ripple effect of her leadership is seen in how female leaders are galvanizing future generations. “We see young girls in schools and universities excelling in their studies, with their eyes set on leadership roles. The future looks bright for women leaders in Tanzania,” Dachi adds.

As she urges young girls to learn from the examples of women like President Samia, Dachi stresses that leadership is not confined to political or governmental roles. Women must prepare for leadership across various fields, including business and entrepreneurship.

The changing narrative among women’s empowerment is clear: women are allies, not adversaries. “We’ve moved away from the belief that women are each other's enemies,” Dachi says. “We now stand united in supporting each other’s success.”

As the country heads into the general elections later this year, Dachi is optimistic about the future. “We are hopeful for the upcoming elections,” she says. “We are committed to ensuring that our voices are heard and that we continue to support President Samia in her mission to further empower women.”

For Dachi and many others, the leadership of President Samia is a shining example of what is possible when women are given the opportunity to lead. The momentum she has built is fueling a new generation of women leaders, eager to contribute to Tanzania’s future.