Women have always played an essential role in shaping societies, driving progress, and creating change. From science and politics to the arts and activism, women have broken barriers and exceeded expectations throughout history. International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 serves as a powerful reminder of the strides women in Tanzania have made and the obstacles they continue to face. As we celebrate this day, it is essential to understand how purpose driven initiatives can propel women forward in their careers, personal lives, and communities. Purpose can take many forms for Tanzanian women: excelling in leadership roles, advancing in education, taking control of their health and wellbeing, advocating for social change, or creating supportive spaces for others. While there have been significant efforts to empower women in Tanzania, many still face systemic challenges, such as limited access to education, as per the UNESCO report 2022, women literacy rate is 78.7% compared to men 85.53%. Other include gender bias and economic barriers that restrict women opportunities and hinder their ability to act with purpose.
Empowerment is crucial in moving Tanzanian women forward with purpose. This requires collective action from the Tanzanian government, businesses, educational institutions, and communities. A World Bank study 2018 indicates that increasing women's participation in the workforce could raise Tanzania's GDP by 3.6%. This demonstrates the importance of women’s economic empowerment for the broader development goals of the country.
One of the most effective ways to move women with purpose is by providing access to education and training that helps them break through economic and societal barriers. Investing in girls' education, mentorship programs, and professional skill-building opportunities ensures that women have the tools they need to excel in their fields and lead with confidence. Initiatives that promote the education of girls in rural areas are especially important, as they face unique challenges in accessing quality education.
Women in leadership roles can act as trailblazers and role models for future generations. Ensuring women have equal access to leadership positions in government, business, and the arts fosters an environment where women’s voices are amplified, and their perspectives are valued. Tanzania has seen the rise of strong women leaders in both the public and private sectors, and it is essential to continue opening doors for women to contribute at the decision-making level for example among listed companies 2 out of 28 listed CEOs are women. "Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women," as Maya Angelou wisely said, reminding us of the ripple effect women’s leadership can have on society.
A woman's health is key to living a purposeful life. Access to comprehensive healthcare especially reproductive healthcare is a foundational right that must be available to all women in Tanzania, regardless of background or geography. Supporting women’s mental health is just as crucial to moving them with purpose. Moreover, The World Health Organization (WHO) underscores that access to maternal health services, including prenatal and postnatal care, can significantly reduce maternal mortality rates. In Tanzania, improvements in healthcare services and policies have contributed to a decrease in maternal mortality by over 40% in the last decade. One key initiative, the Maternal and Child Health programs, has expanded access to antenatal care and skilled birth attendance. As a result, over 80% of women in Tanzania now have access to antenatal care, and the percentage of births attended by skilled professionals has increased from 51% in 2010 to 85% in recent years. These efforts have led to safer pregnancies and healthier mothers and children. A positive example of empowering women through health initiatives is from the Health and Demographic Survey in Tanzania (2022), which showed that 70% of women feel more confident and empowered to make decisions about their health when they have access to quality healthcare. Tanzania has been working towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including improving health outcomes for women. Holistic wellbeing initiatives create a foundation for women to pursue their dreams without the weight of ill health or stigma. Mental health awareness is still evolving in Tanzania, and more investment is needed in this area to support women. As Michelle Obama reminds us, "There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish," and when women are in good health both physically and mentally, they are better able to reach their full potential.
Moving women with purpose in Tanzania is not just about individual achievement but also about cultivating supportive communities that amplify women’s voices and value their contributions. Whether through social networks, local groups, or global initiatives, communities provide women with the space to uplift one another, share resources, and build meaningful relationships that strengthen the collective impact of their work. Community support has been shown to be an essential factor in overcoming societal barriers, and local women’s groups are vital in this effort.
Women have the right to live a life filled with purpose, whether through their careers, families, or personal passion. By continuing to invest in the advancement and well-being of women, we are not just moving them forward, but we are shaping a future where gender equality is realized in every sphere of Tanzanian society.
A key reminder that our purpose is intertwined. Moving women with purpose is a shared responsibility. It is a journey that requires all of us to keep moving forward, breaking barriers, and ensuring that women everywhere in Tanzania can chart their own paths to fulfilment and success. As we move forward, let’s remember that equality is not just a goal to be reached, but a journey we must continue to walk together. Only then can we truly honour the achievements of women and build a more equitable world for future generations.
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