EU Ambassador Calls for Increased Female Representation in Leadership Positions

While recognizing the substantial progress in the recent years, Tanzania needs more women in leadership roles in all areas of the society and economy, said the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Tanzania, Christine Grau.

She made the remarks at the third Women’s Leadership Forum held by the UONGOZI institute in Dar es Salaam, on October 16, 2023. The forum brought together women leaders from various fields to share experiences and challenges, including new talents.

Ambassador Grau said that to ensure that the potential of women is utilized, girls and young women need role models, leadership, and guidance from both men and women, building the structures for them to succeed.

"Beyond the governments, private sector, and civil society need to play a key role in advancing gender equality in leadership positions, applying fair treatments, granting opportunities, and - most of all - removing the glass ceiling," said Ambassador Grau.

She added that the EU is a strong partner of Tanzania in advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls. She said that the EU has integrated gender issues in all its policies and programs, both internally and externally.

The guest of honor at the forum was the Minister of State in the President’s Office (Public Service Management and Good Governance), Mr. George Simbachawene. He praised the government's efforts in increasing the representation of women in leadership and decision-making positions.

"Our statistics show that from ministers, deputy ministers, permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries, and directors, the average of women leaders is 28.6 percent which is a good sign towards achieving targets set in the sustainable development goal 5," he said.

He also commended the UONGOZI Institute for organizing the forum and training women leaders. He said that such initiatives are vital for enhancing the skills and confidence of women leaders.

Kadari Singo, the Chief Executive Officer of the UONGOZI Institute expressed his gratitude to the EU and the government of Finland for supporting the program.

The Forum was organised in the framework of the UONGOZI Institute’s Women Leadership Training Programme now supported by the EU funded programme “Gender Transformative Action: breaking the Glass Ceiling”; A new group of 50 students were selected among more than 700 applications including people from: Parastatal, Central Government, Local Government, Zanzibar, NGOs, Private sector.