By Alkali Amana
As Tanzania’s first female President celebrates her 100 days in office, it is worthy to note that among the developmental strides she has committed herself to, the quality of improving gender resources and accessibility to the decision-making process in the country has seen a huge boost in recognition and practice.
President Samia has ably intervened to change past setups that have kept women off the table of decision-making processes in the government and private sector due to historical or traditional reasons. She has consistently reiterated her commitment to seeing women in Tanzania empowered, and leading by example, she has worked to bridge the gender resource gap in Tanzania by appointing women to key positions in the country. She appointed the first female National Assembly Clerk, Nenelwa Mwihambi, recently; and, since assuming office in March this year, she has appointed 26 Regional Administrative Secretaries, of which 12 are women, equivalent to 46 percent of the number.
In carrying out her mandate, it is evident that after 100 days in office, President Samia has been working to improve the decision-making process in her country, thereby aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals which call for women’s equal participation and leadership in political and public spheres so that all can achieve the goals by 2030. She is setting the pace for a reconstruction of the role in governance for other African governments to follow, and that is highly applaudable.
