EU Ambassador to Tanzania's speech during the Women's Leadership Forum
Dear excellences, ladies and gentlemen,
I am very pleased to participate at this women leadership forum today. This subject is very important for the development and the future of our countries, as it concerns the vision and perspectives for half of its population.
The global trends are only changing slowly – statistics indicate that on the current pace, gender parity at Head of State level will be achieved in 130 years (UN sources), this is far too long!
Tanzania is therefore a commendable exception with H.E. Samia S. Hassan as 1st women president of the country giving a clear impetus to the presence of women in leadership positions in Tanzania. Let me commend the Government of Tanzania for the notable advancements during her mandate.
The increasing number of women in the cabinet, and many other women in high level positions as Deputy Minister, Permanent Secretary or Commissioner are also testimony to the commitment to represent female leaders adequately. And I should of course mention, Hon Tulia Ackson, Speaker of the National Assembly as well.
But female leadership does not stop in politics: it concerns all areas, be it in the economic or business area, research and academic world, sports and culture. Girls and young women need not only roles models, but there needs to be leadership and guidance from both women and men to create the relevant conditions and structures and to guide the societies to ensure that the vast potential and talents of half the population does not remain unused.
And women should not be shy in assuming their role and reaching their full potential; gender equality is a right as reflected in the universal declaration of human rights.
But most of all: the active participation of women and girls in the public and private spheres will benefit democracies and economies alike - it has major benefits for societies as a whole. Women need to be able to trust their capacities and to be confident of the importance of their contribution in this world.
Beyond the governments, private sector, education and Civil society therefore also need to play a key role in advancing gender equality in leadership position, applying fair treatments, granting opportunities and - most of all - removing the glass ceiling.
Obstacles to impede gender equality are very well known by now, and many are being addressed. But let us also be clear that the numbers I mentioned above reflect that there is still a long way to go to ensure women will not be excluded from public life and senior functions.
For the European Union, Gender equality and empowering women and girls remains therefore a top priority as it has such a strong impact on many other policy areas. The EU has scaled up its contribution to reach Sustainable Development Goal 5 related to Gender Equality in all internal and external policy areas.
Advancing Equal Participation and Leadership is one of the 6 priority areas for progress acceleration under our Gender Action Plan. The Gender Action Plan calls for the European Union to lead by example, including by establishing gender-responsive and gender-balanced leadership at top political and management levels.
Indeed, the three top position of the European Union institutions are currently held by women, namely, the president of the European Commission, the President of the European Parliament and the President of the European Central Bank.
But there is also a strong focus on medium level management and supporting female potential at all levels in order to pave the way for future female leaders.
Achieving gender equality is a marathon, not a sprint, and we have to step up our actions together at all levels - at top level of a state or organisation, but also in the regions, communities, in the forefront of everyday challenges of women. For this, civil society and local leaders should be empowered and have the adequate tools at their disposal.
And in particular, we must engage with young generations. They can already reap from the engagement and actions of many women (and men) over decades, and I am for example very pleased to see so many young women choosing technical studies and professions nowadays.
We are committed to “Empower, Educate and Connect” Young generations, giving them a voice and consulting them on their needs and hopes for the future, preparing young girls to be the leaders for the future of their countries.
Our engagement, our vision and our acts have an impact on the future generations – let us not disappoint them.
Lastly, let me congratulate UONGOZI and the Ministries for their contribution to support women leaders and to support a more equal civil service in Tanzania.