Sauti ya Siti Issue No. 37 ISSN 0856 - 230 X August, 2015

Special Seats divide Tanzanians Sauti ya Siti 1

SS No. 37 ENG.indd 1 9/14/2015 12:55:03 PM CONTENTS

Page

Bukwimba: I was branded barmaid, prostitute .. yet I won... 5

Can women garner 50% through constituencies? ...... 8

Ester Bulaya: Confidence kills male chauvinism ...... 10

“Turn gender equality into a national value” ...... 12

Women presidency aspirants high ...... 14

Why did Amina Salum Ali vie for presidency ?...... 16

Special Seats divide Tanzanians ...... 19

Women lag behind in top decision making positions ...... 21

Media neglect aspirants women ...... 23

Senkoro: Govt should subsidize women candidates ...... 25

SAMIA: ’s possible first woman vice president ...... 27

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SS No. 37 ENG.indd 2 9/14/2015 12:55:03 PM TAMWA EDITORIAL

CCM has shown the way, parties Sauti ya Siti should support women aspirants n October 25th this year Tanzania Executive Director - TAMWA is holding general elections for Edda Sanga the presidency, parliamentary and councillorship. Elections are an Oimportant indicator of flourishing democracy for Editors any country in the world. Free and fair elections Deodatus Balile Lilian Timbuka strengthen peace, harmony and the economy. Normally, new governments come with new policies for national development. Layout & Design Gurnam Ajit Tanzania attained her independence in 1961 and since then has been holding free and fair elections. In 1965 Tanzania cancelled the multiparty system to embark on single party system. The changes introduced a system of party supremacy, one candidate for presidency and two competing candidates for parliamentary and councillorship for every contested constituency or ward, respectively.

Tanzania Media Women’s Association The elections continued to be free and fair until 1992 when P. O. Box 8981, Sinza - Mori, the multiparty system was restored. Unfortunately in both Tel: +255 22 2772681 the single party and multiparty systems, the concept of Fax:+ 255 22 2772681 gender equality was not practiced. Forgetting this important Email: [email protected] component, meant women participated in the elections Office: remained spectators of male candidates. P. O. Box 741, Tunguu, Zanzibar, Tanzania As a result, women did not get the opportunity to be elected to Tel: +255 773 747 252 Email: [email protected] decision making positions like the presidency, parliamentary and councillorship. All along the main problem remained to Website: www.tamwa.org be male chauvinism and the patriarchy system which is deeply entrenched in most African countries where society members consider men as true leaders of family and society. 8 pg 4

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SS No. 37 ENG.indd 3 9/14/2015 12:55:03 PM 7 pg 3 - Wazalendo is another woman vying for the top post in the country.

All along TAMWA and other gender and human rights CCM has shown the activists have been fighting for women to hold high decision making positions including way, parties should the presidency, vice presidency and premier. We believe this is a good start and we hope other support women political parties will emulate this gesture towards women who have capability of holding such aspirants positions.

This Edition of Sauti ya Siti which is funded by Ford Foundation is Following efforts by genderJohn Magufuli, who won party geared to applaud the women equality activists, gender parity primaries, picked Samia Suluhu who have dared and encourage outcry has started to be heard. In Hassan his running mate. This other women to take the forms 1995 the government introduced means if Dr. Magufuli wins the to become parliamentarians and special seats for parliamentary presidency, for the first time in the councillors. This is from the belief and councillorship as a way to history Tanzania will be having a that women are as good as men. empower women. It was also the woman as a Vice President. Anna same year that Rose Lugendo Mghwira the flag bearer of ACT came to aspire for presidential nomination through CCM. In 2005 the number of women aspirants increased to three namely, Anna Senkoro (PPT-Maendeleo), Chiku Abwao and Maulida Komu through . No one was elected. At constituency level in 2010 only 9 percent of women won parliamentary seats.

This year the number has increased to seven women who contested presidency through the CCM. Aspirants were Ambassador Amina Salum Ali, Dr. Mwele Malecela, Monica Mbega, Dr. Asha-Rose Migiro, Ritta Ngowi, Hellen Elinawinga and Veronica Kazimoto. Dr. Migiro and Amina made it to the top three.

Two women making it to the top three was a boost to the efforts of Human Rights and Gender activists. More so after, Dr.

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SS No. 37 ENG.indd 4 9/14/2015 12:55:03 PM Bukwimba: I was branded barmaid, prostitute … yet I won

By Beatrice Bandawe

n 2009, Faustine election date, automatically “It was my first time to contest Lwilomba, the then the constituency has to hold a elections through a constituency. Parliamentarian for By-election to fill-in the vacant I encouraged myself that I post to represent citizens in as women we can if we are Busanda Constituency the decision making organ; the determined,” says Bukwimba who in Geita Region died in Parliament. was only 38 when that challenge India due to multiple came before her. complications while This was the moment when undergoing medical a determined lady, Lolesia The By-election involved other Bukwimba (44), decided to enter candidates from Chama cha treatment. Lwilomba had the race to represent Busanda been sponsored by Chama Demokrasia na Maendeleo people into the august house (CHADEMA), Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) to through CCM. (CUF) and United Democratic become a parliamentarian Bukwimba defied theParty (UDP), who were all men. in the 2005 general unfounded myth that women elections. cannot compete against men Despite being the only woman in especially in the By-elections in a the contest, Bukwimba had the According to the elections law, constituency where party politics voters’ backing as they were the whenever a parliamentarian exert undue pressure on the ones who had requested her to 8 dies 12 months before the next candidates. join the race. pg 6

Lolensia Bukwimba, a Member of Parliament for Busanda Constituency addressing Mgusu Ward residents in June, this year when (CCM), Secretary General, visited Geita region. Sauti ya Siti 5

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Bukwimba: I was branded barmaid, prostitute … yet I won

The campaign was demanding, During the campaign period leaders. but she says when the results were the men candidates from other announced she was declared the political parties used this weapon “I also kept reminding them the overall winner with 29,242 votes, to dismantle her mission but saying; ‘When you educate a defeating her closest competitor they failed. They used all insults woman, you educate the whole from CHADEMA who got 22,799 possible. “They called me a society’,” says Bukwimba adding votes. The difference whichbarmaid, a prostitute and many that the voters understood her separated the two candidates other bad names to discourage points and elected her. was 6,443. me, but I stood firm and did not lose the sight because of their Corruption Bukwimba says when she words,” she says. Most women are afraid to contest declared her intention to contest in the constituencies following Busanda Constituency By- She says throughout the the experience that most men, election, she got unquestionable campaign she did not respond who are wealthier, corrupt support from her spouse. to their insults, but rather she voters. However, she managed capitalized on her mission to to convince voters without “The act of involving my husband better serve the public by referring necessarily dishing money and in my decision to contest the to iconic Tanzania women leaders won Bukwimba Constituency. constituency and his consent, who have served at national and encouraged me to prove that I international level. Apart from wining it in 2009 after can,” said Bukwimba. the death of her predecessor, she She kept mentioning successful was re-elected in the 2010 general Previously, Bukwimba women leaders like Anne elections and she is determined was working with a Non Makinda, the speaker of the to do the same in 2015 without Governmental Organisation National Assembly, Dr. Asha-Rose having to use corruption to gain (NGO) and was a Manager for Migiro, the former votes. a Microfinance Bank known as Deputy Secretary General FEDA headquartered in Ubungo, and currently the Minister for Constituency priorities Dar es Salaam. Justice and Constitution Affairs, When she was elected she Dr. Getrude Mongella the decided to deal with problems Challenges former Ukerewe Constituency concerning social needs. She Bukwimba says members of the parliamentarian and U.N. discovered that people needed society regard women as inferior Assistant Secretary General and electricity, water, education and to lead men because of long Secretary General for the Fourth all weather roads. She says most standing traditions and culture. World Conference on Women in girls were enrolling in schools, “There is a notion among some Beijing in 1995, without forgetting but the dropout rate was high, men that women cannot lead Professor , the hence education became her first men, and for sure that was the former Executive Director of UN- priority. 8 pg 7 situation in the constituency I Habitat to prove the fact that contested,” she says. women are capable of becoming 6 Sauti ya Siti

SS No. 37 ENG.indd 6 9/14/2015 12:55:04 PM 7 pg 6 Advice to women Bukwimba advises women to “I visited several schools Bukwimba: I be brave whenever they are to motivate citizens on the determined to do anything. importance of education, was branded She says even if people will because I personally studied in discourage them, they should a similar environment,” she says. not listen to them because some She encouraged parents to take barmaid, people do not want to see others their children to schools because succeeding. with education they are likely to prostitute … become prominent leaders in the “When I entered the contest, nation. there are some who told me yet I won and advised me to go for special “The people were highly seats, but I maintained my stance motivated; others said they and my bravery helped me,” says are taking their kids to Bukwimba. schools for them to become future parliamentarians like She says most women are Bukwimba… It has encouraged capable, but are afraid of abuse me a lot because in the future from men in the political forums they will bring changes,” she says. something that deters them from coming forward to contest in Apart from motivating them, she constituencies. supported 16 Ward Secondary schools by giving them books “There are educated and capable and computers. Every school women who can become leaders, received five computers, which constituencies are responsible but they fail to come forward due she got from her sponsors. She for their constituencies, while to fear. These are just thinking, managed to secure positions for special seat parliamentarians are if they get the courage to stand 500 pupils to get post secondary responsible for the regions from with men they will win them,” she education where 400 of them where they are appointed. says have so far secured employment. On the part of electricity, she has managed to facilitate electricity connection for nine wards out of 16. 1. In the first multiparty elections in 1995 only 16 percent of parliamentarians were women. Out of 232 constituencies, Special seats women managed to win only eight seats. Those eight Bukwimba says special seats were women were joined by 37 specials seats appointees to make formulated as a forum for women a total of 45 women in the house of 269 parliamentarians. to learn politics while in the parliament and to give them the 2. The number of women in the parliament has increased courage to stand on their own in from 16 percent in 1995 to 36 percent by 2015. This the future. She says some women follows affirmative action by the government to amend who entered the parliament the constitution in 2005 to introduce a requirement of 30 through special seats are proving percent women and a way of achieving this goal, special to be good leaders. seats in the parliament.

“Being a parliamentarian through 3. The number of women in the parliament has increased from special seats does not mean it 62 women out of 288 parliamentarians in 2005 to 127 out of was an easy ride, because these 357 in 2015. seats are also highly contested within the party similar to the constituencies.” Bukwimba says parliamentarians through Sauti ya Siti 7

SS No. 37 ENG.indd 7 9/14/2015 12:55:04 PM Can women garner 50% through constituencies?

By Elizabeth Edward

our years ago President initiated the process to enact a new constitution by passing the Constitutional Review Act, 2011, which among other Fthings intended to redress the injustice against women in the country. The process started by forming the Constitution women in the fight for gender equality, but with the Review Commission (CRC) which collected citizens’ uncertainty over the fate of the draft constitution, views across the country for their opinion on what how can women bridge the 14 percent gap through they want in the new constitution. constituencies into parliament in the forthcoming elections? One of the public outcries was gender inequality in the current constitution where the public and The Director for Tanzania Gender Network women activists want equal representation in Programme (TGNP) Lilian Liundi responds to the parliament. preceding question by saying it can be possible to bridge that gap only if political parties give The 50:50 representation idea aimed at having an deserved opportunities to women in the October equal number of women and men in parliament 2015 elections. 8 pg 9 through constituencies unlike the current system where women are only 9 percent compared to 91 percent men.

Overall, women account for 36 percent in the current parliament of which 27 percent entered the parliament in 2010 through special seats appointment. After collecting the citizens’ opinion and through a turbulent debate in the Constituent Assembly, Article 129(4) provided for equal representation in parliament and in other levels of decision making organs.

The Drafted Constitution Women Members of Parliament entering the august house will be a great boost for recently in . 8 Sauti ya Siti

SS No. 37 ENG.indd 8 9/14/2015 12:55:04 PM 7 pg 8 for my party to appoint me. I believe my party will give me She says without a new Can women the opportunity based on my constitution there is no way capability and performance and women can garner 50 percent garner 50% not on the gender criterion,” she to parliament and other decision says. making organs unless the Ruth Mpangala who is aspiring political parties which have the through for CCM councillorship for mandate to give that opportunity Buzurugwa Ward in Ilemela to women do the needful. constituencies? Constituency Mwanza, believes she has served the ward well and “Most political parties are will be appointed to represent entangled with male chauvinism. the party. They do not trust women for fear of losing constituencies (to their “There are many aspirants, but competitors) this has forced them I gauge myself according to my to continue to avail opportunities capability and my participation to men and oppress women,” says in the ward development. I Liundi. believe my party will appoint me to contest this post,” she says. She also proposes the need for the Constitution to clearly state Goodluck Temba resident in that when the President is a man, Mbagala Dar es Salaam, believes the Vice President or the Prime the capability and efforts by women themselves can help Minister should be a woman. them to reach the 50 percent While analysts are worried with target. “We understand naturally men the 50:50 target, women aspirants enjoy power, but this issue should hold a different view. Temba advises that professional be looked at differently so that we and capable women should be reach a point where women hold Sada Kabezi, a parliamentarian elected regardless of their gender. top leadership positions in the aspirant in Kaliua constituency country. Otherwise the struggle through Chadema, says her “Personally I don’t see any continues. integrity and hardworking nature problem to elect a woman if give her confidence that she will she has same qualifications and “If the country is governed by the be appointed by her party to capabilities as men. This is my Constitution even a woman can contest that constituency come calling to other men that we shoulder this duty without worry. October. should not look at gender, rather There is no reason to put women at individual’s capability,” he says. aside as if leadership is only for “Even if I am contesting against men,” says Liundi. men, my capability within the Daniel Kitwana, a third year party is known. I am a very able student at the University of Dar woman who is determined Anna Sangai, an activist for es Salaam says women should be to liberate my fellow women Women Rights says due to the first to show their readiness to and bring development in my complicated party political achieve the 50 percent target and constituency” says Kabezi. will be supported by men. systems women are denied the opportunity to contest through Jesca Kishoa, a parliamentarian He says self confidence is very constituencies. aspirant for Iramba West through important for women, because NCCR-Mageuzi believes her party by step depicting their capability “Personally, I believe a leader be will appoint her to contest that it will be hard for men to oppress it a president or a parliamentarian constituency because of her them. is guided by the Constitution. capability and that gender has no However, most political parties room to stop her dream. believe only men deserve to lead something which denies women “I will stand as a candidate. My the opportunity,” says Sangai. gender cannot become a barrier Sauti ya Siti 9

SS No. 37 ENG.indd 9 9/14/2015 12:55:05 PM Question: What motivates you to contest a constituency?

Bulaya: I understand this is my fundamental right like other human rights. Besides, it is my unquestionable intention to serve the Bunda people through this parliamentary seat. Also, I want to prove, that women can be representatives not necessarily through special seats only. It is not a necessity that every parliamentarian woman should enter the august house through Ester Bulaya, a special seat parliamentarian who has crossed party forums from Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) to Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) in July, this year special seats. addressing electorates in Bunda town. Question: Since you expressed the interest to contest Bunda Constituency have you Ester Bulaya: experienced any hardships? Bulaya: There are many challenges in Bunda Constituency and other parts of this country. Confidence kills On my part I find the most disturbing problem is the unfounded propaganda against women that women cannot lead male men. This is not the time to wage draconian propaganda we should be assessed on our qualifications rather than using gender to deny chauvinism women leadership opportunities. By Angela Kiwia Question: Mara region is said to be the home of male chauvinism. ster Bulaya, is a parliamentarian through special How are you prepared to break it? seats appointment. In her five years tenure in Bulaya: There is a lot of male Eparliament she has been advocating women and chauvinism in Mara. However, it youth rights across political parties. is time for societies to agree to change the perception and get Bulaya, who has moved from Bulaya spoke to Sauti ya Siti and away with this problem. Civic the current ruling CCM to the expressed her expectations, education is a must. Women opposition CHADEMA, is one of vision and advises youth and confidence is fundamental to promising young women likely women aspirants to be firm and dismantle male chauvinism. I to be more than a member of focused to win the forthcoming thank God that I have reduced parliament. While some women elections so as to lead the nation this problem in Bunda because who entered parliament through in the right direction. She insists I sit with elders to discuss this special seats have stayed in the that confidence is an important matter. This pleases me, and same status for more than 20 tool for women to defeat male proves there are people who are years, Bulaya is now eyeing a chauvinism. supporting me. 8 pg 11 constituency after serving in special seats for just five years. 10 Sauti ya Siti

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Ester Bulaya: Confidence kills male chauvinism

Question: Is your family fully male chauvinism in our society. it is important that women supporting you? However, Bunda is my home understand no one has a place. Therefore, I have met the permanent leadership position. Bulaya: I thank God a lot that the elders, and the youth and have There are qualified women who family and all friends support me. talked to them and thus I have no have come forward. Therefore, it is We sit together and talk about Problem in the constituency. our duty to continue to motivate the challenges facing Bunda more women to come forward in Constituency. Question: Have you researched this years’ election. I am proud of to understand your chances of the fact that unlike previous years Question: What do you advise winning? many women have registered to other women in the country? vote. This is an indication that Bulaya: On the question of they want to be in the decision Bulaya: Women have to get research I can say I am accepted making process of their country. prepared psychologically. This by the voters because whatever is because society fears men. I have done is seen. It is like Question: What is the youth’s If we lose fear against men Bunda had no parliamentarian. position towards the general and join hands we will have I have been their appointed elections? tremendous increase of women parliamentarian doing more in the decision making organs work than the constituency Bulaya: Personally I have been in including constituencies and as parliamentarian. I have managed the front line to fight for youth’s parliamentarians. to coordinate the youths and rights without looking at their established Bulaya Cup which is party ideologies, religion or This is not the time for women to bringing up youth talents and tribe. It is important the youths be discouraged by thinking that availing them the opportunity to understand that if they unite and men are the right candidates and meet in Bunda. work together, even if they have have got unquestionable powers different party ideologies, they in the country. The question of winning the will build a developed nation. elections, I am sure that if I Youths should register and turn Question: What specificam appointed to contest the in big numbers to vote, come challenges do you think you are constituency I will win by a October. likely to face in your constituency landslide. aspiration? Question: What is your opinion Question: The big challenge is about this year’s elections and failure to know who I will face and the woman’s position? how that candidate is prepared and contesting with people who Bulaya: This year the election have a lot of money and the will be a huge challenge, but Sauti ya Siti 11

SS No. 37 ENG.indd 11 9/14/2015 12:55:05 PM says Magigita adding that this system denies opportunity to women who are not interested in party politics.

“This is a challenge in political parties because they have not put strategies, including policy and regulations to empower women to secure various leadership positions,” says Magigita.

She says women are oppressed economically, therefore contesting any political seat Women have registered in numbers; the remaining question is whether they needs money something some are motivated enough to vote for follow women in the coming elections. women cannot afford. She adds that party manifestos and promises to empower women are there, but are rarely implemented. “Turn gender While acknowledging that there are few women ambassadors, ministers and deputy ministers, she warns of the danger of the lack of unity among women equality into a themselves. “Cooperation amongst women is minimal especially during national value” campaign and voting time. May be it is caused by jealousy for By Rachel Kyala fellow women,” says Magigita.

ender equality should be recognized as one of the She says some women who national values to vindicate the country’s political will to get power have a tendency of Ghonour international resolutions, activists say. hanging onto power for so long without leaving the posts to give Proponents of that recognition an organization designed to opportunity to other women. say it will lay the foundation for empower informal business She refers to some special building a nation free of gender women says through a project seat women have served for inequality between men and dabbed ‘Mwanamke Sokoni’ 30 years in the same capacity. women, something that will stop women have been helped to Magigita also warns women the oppression of women in the build their self confidence and to stop gossiping against each country. they have assumed various other. leadership positions. They also argue that gender She says women should be the equality has to be infiltrated “A woman in the country first to solve their challenges by into the social, political and cannot secure leadership working hard and professionally economical sectors as a way to position at different levels be to achieve the best. 8 pg 13 empower women. it local government, village, ward, councillorship and The Director of Equality for parliamentarian without being Growth (EfG) Jane Magigita, sponsored by a political party,” 12 Sauti ya Siti

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Edda Sanga, a veteran journalist “Turn gender equality into and former Acting Director for Radio Tanzania Dar es Salaam, says that based on the a national value” experience of those who held various positions members of the Society now understand and accept that women are capable leaders.

Sanga says the only problem is the old mentality amongst Tanzanians that a woman cannot lead others or themselves because they lack muscles like men.

“Also because of a woman’s biological setup that during hard times she easily cries this makes the public trust them less,” says Sanga. inception in 1987. During The Coordinator for the Tanzania Sanga adds that members of elections, she says women are Women Cross Party Platform the society believe only men rarely supported by members of (ULINGO), Dr. Ave Maria can administer them giving the the society. Semakafu, says the current example that baby boys are system does not allow women regarded as powerful and true However, Sanga says Tanzania to become leaders though they leaders compared to baby girls. has a convincing number of want to be. women leaders at the district She says male chauvinism is commissioners’ level and various She gives an example that deeply rooted in the country and directors, but they are still in the forthcoming elections that is why the Tanzania Media lagging behind at the ministerial no political party is prepared Women’s Association (TAMWA) level. to nominate women as their has been fighting it since its candidates in the constituency to become Members of Parliament for fear of losing the elections, which is wrong and hence the environment becomes not permissive for women.

She adds that lack of economic power is a disadvantage to women as some aspirants spent up to 35 million for a meeting to declare their candidacy something which discourages women to come forward as many have no financial means.

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SS No. 37 ENG.indd 13 9/14/2015 12:55:07 PM Women presidency aspirants high

By Leon Bahati

anzania reverted to multiparty Senkoro garnered 18,783 votes in 2005 equal to democracy in 1992 and held the first 0.17 percent out of 11.4 million voters. She was general elections in 1995, where contesting against 10 men including president T Kikwete. only one woman expressed interest to take up the top civil servant post; the The quest for the presidency has not only been on presidency. Tanzania Mainland. Available records indicate in 2005 Sauti ya Umma Party (SAU) appointed Mariam Omar to contest Zanzibar presidency. She received 335 votes out of 451,008 voters equaling 0.07 percent.

Political parties and women It is an established norm that presidencial aspirants first have to contest within their political parties before being appointed. Even at this initial level, the number of women expressing interest to be appointed by their parties is not encouraging.

Dr. Asha Rose Migiro, is one of seven women aspirants who expressed interest to Between 2005 and 2010 apart from Senkoro, three contest presidency through the ruling party ticket, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM). other women expressed their interest within their Though she did not win it, she ended up in the top three finalists, where Dr. was handed CCM flag for the coming elections. political parties to contest the presidency but none succeeded. Rose Lugendo tried through CCM in 1995, while Chiku Abwao and Maulida Komu tried Before the reintroduction of multiparty system, their fortunes through CHADEMA in 2005. None voting for the presidency in the single party system of them succeeded to cross this preliminary stage. was a “Yes” or “No” and with only one candidate in However, Komu was appointed as running mate for the race it was practically not a competition. Mr. Freeman Mbowe.

To date Tanzania has held four multiparty elections 2015 General Elections where 25 candidates in aggregate have tried their In this year’s general elections, seven women had fortune, but only two have managed to usurp the expressed interest to aspire for the presidency top post namely, Benjamin William Mkapa (1995 through the ruling party – CCM. The aspirants are -2005) and Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete (2005 – 2015). Ambassador Amina Salum Ali, Dr. Mwele Malecela, Women have been invisible in the process. Some Monica Mbega, Dr. Asha-Rose Migiro, Ritta Ngowi, tried within their parties at preliminary stages but Veronica Kazimoto and Hellen Elinawinga. While only one, Anna Senkoro through PPT – Maendeleo, the number is commendable, it is a drop in the reached the point of being appointed by the ocean compared to the forty two men who National Electoral Commission in 2005. In essence expressed their interest through the same ruling she paved the way for others, but unfortunately party. 8 pg 15 in 2010 none of the women replicated this achievement. 14 Sauti ya Siti

SS No. 37 ENG.indd 14 9/14/2015 12:55:07 PM 7 pg 14 Anna Mgwira is another woman Women presidency contesting precidency through ACT - Wazalendo. aspirants high Sophia Simba, the chairperson of CCM Women Wing, Umoja wa Wanawake Tanzania (UWT) and Minister of Community Mbega contested in the 2010 historically, there has never been Development, Gender and general election for Iringa a woman president. Children says the trend Constituency where she lost worries her and she has been by 800 Votes. In taking up the “There are countries like encouraging more women to presidential aspirant form she and Brazil which are being led by come forward. is an example of women who women presidents and they are doing fine. We also have capable Simba, says UWT does not care are determined to achieve their women, I am not worried at all,” which party sponsors a woman dreams and are undefeated by says Prof. Mlama. to vie for the presidency and will defeat. support any woman appointed Deus Kibamba, the Chairman to contest the post. Amina Salum Ali, another for the Constitution Council says presidencial aspirant through there is a long standing error in Women and the Presidency CCM says Tanzania has so many the system where women believe Chiku Abwao, a Special Seat women capable of contesting they have to be okayed by men parliamentarian says women the presidency but did not have in everything they do. are seeing the presidency as to come forward because of a gigantic post for women to fear and distorted beliefs that to Also, he says women lack financial manage. “Most women in this contest for presidency one has muscle compared to men, and country fear a big responsibility. to have a lot of money. “But I am no wonder men are involved in Most believe they cannot manage saying it is not true. They need to big scandals of amassing huge immense power (presidency),” come forward in numbers to give fortune. says Abwao. their contribution to this nation,” she says. Kibamba says a woman can Asked why she thinks women only become president or prime are reluctant for the presidency, Prof. Penina Mlama, the Chair for minister if this country introduces Abwao says before thinking Mwalimu Nyerere Professorial a regulation which categorically of the presidency a woman Chair in Pan-African Studies at dictates that when a man is a asks herself a lot of questions. the University of Dar es Salaam president then a woman should “Has there ever been a woman says Tanzania has a lot of women be a vice president or a prime Prime Minister, Vice President… capable of becoming president, minister. When the answer is no to these but it is just that in Tanzania, questions, a woman will say it is hard to jump on top of such powers,” says Abwao.

Monica Mbega, who was presidential aspirant through the ruling party – CCM while admitting to the challenge of male chauvinism, believes Tanzanians are now educated and ready to be led by qualified women and that in any contested elections challenges are there for Anna-Mghwira Chairperson and presidential candidate both men and women. through ACT-Wazalendo Sauti ya Siti 15

SS No. 37 ENG.indd 15 9/14/2015 12:55:08 PM Why did Amina Salum Ali vie for presidency? mina Salum Ali is former cabinet minister and the current African Union (AU) Ambassador to the United States. She was among the Chama Cha Mapinduzi A(CCM) cadres who have picked forms, asking to be allowed run for the presidency of the United Republic of Tanzania in October this year. Our Writer DEOGRATIAS MUSHI interviewed her recently on her political aspiration and what she intends to achieve as the first woman president in Tanzania.

Ambassador Amina Salum Ali displaying CCM presidential nomination forms soon after receiving it at Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) headquarters in Dodoma in June, this year.

Question: What prompted you to run for A: My country Tanzania becomes the first priority presidency? when it comes to what I would like to do in my life. I have served , but charity should start at home. ANSWER: My urge to work with and for women in I would like my people, especially women, to have uplifting their living standards is what has forced me better living conditions. I love my country and I am to run for this highest office of our land. I became ready to serve it by any means that can make our a politician while I was still a very young woman. I people’s lives better. have travelled in different parts of this country, both in the Isles and in the Mainland and I understand Q: According to you, which are the major problems well problems which women face. facing women in Tanzania today?

The majority of women in this country support A: Let me first thank the four presidents who have their families and if they are given better economic led this country since independence. They have tried opportunities, I am sure they shall automatically their best in improving peoples’ living conditions. improve the society as a whole. Women and children President Jakaya Kikwete has done a lot in improving are among the groups that have been left behind the infrastructure and also he has appointed in development. I would have liked to change some women as Regional Commissioners, District the trend, to enable more women to engage in Commissioners, Members of Parliament, and also economic activities, such as agriculture, trade, and Permanent Secretaries in different ministries. other sources of income generation. 8 pg 17 Q: You left a big office in Washington DC to vie for presidency. Why? 16 Sauti ya Siti

SS No. 37 ENG.indd 16 9/14/2015 12:55:08 PM 7 pg 16 held various ministerial positions in the Tanzanian government, However, women in Tanzania Why did Amina most recently as minister of state today face a number of problems in the office of the chief minister in including low market prices for Salum Ali Zanzibar. I have been a member their produce which prevent of Islamic Development Bank them from being able to afford vie for Women’s Advisory Panel and I fertilizer and other inputs for have served as a board member the next season. The control presidency? of various institutions such as of household income by their the Tanzania Telecommunication husbands means they cannot Co. and Mzumbe University in act on their own, leaving some Morogoro, Tanzania. In addition, women to conclude that lack I have established various of decision-making power was capacity-building institutions, their biggest constraint, both in including the Presidential Trust agriculture and in their lives. Fund for Self-Reliance. I hold a bachelor’s degree in economics In Tanzania today, a hungry and an MBA in marketing. People woman lacks confidence and should not be worried at all about ability to pursue her rights. We my leadership qualities. I have have heard of several cases of trained and worked both within gender based violence which and outside the country, so I have end up at family level for fear of the knowledge to provide good incriminating a bread-winner, leadership. who once jailed, the family life is also jailed into more troubles. Q: What do you say about your bypassed by time. We have fellow presidential aspirants A hungry woman cannot also have wonderful experiences to learn within CCM? surplus saving to board a daladala from Brazil, Germany, and Liberia or motorcycle to search for justice where women presidents and A: I keenly followed speeches which is ‘located’ hundred miles premier have done wonders delivered by my fellow away from her locality. What is in improving their countries’ presidential hopefuls and I was the best option for her is not a economies. disappointed that they didn’t search for imprisonment of her speak about women and what stubborn husband, but to opt for We should not be looking at one’s they intend to help them if they survival of her starving children. gender or sex when it comes get elected. You cannot talk The political struggles brought to the country’s leadership. about how to fight corruption notable achievements. I would What is important is the ability, without mentioning women and like to see women getting better experience, and acceptance. I children rights. I would like to health care, and also getting am sure I possess all the required hear them say how they intend social services like water at qualities needed to lead this good to fight gender inequalities and their neighbourhood. All that is country. I know this nation quite better economic opportunities possible if we set proper plans well, and I thank my party which for women. aimed at liberating women. has awarded me leadership opportunities. As the African Q: How could you improve the Q: Some people think that time Union’s first female ambassador country’s economy? for a woman to be Tanzania’s I have been committed to president has not arrived. What promoting women’s rights and A: Tanzania is endowed with a lot do you tell them? children’s issues. I am also the of blessings which can make it founder of Zanzibar Women improve its economy. The highest A: Let me say that this is the Welfare Trust, which aims at mountain in Africa - Mount right time for a woman to be combating devastating health Kilimanjaro is in Tanzania. elected president of this country. issues to women and children We should forget such old like HIV/AIDS. As a long-serving 8 pg 18 mentalities, which have been Member of Parliament, I have Sauti ya Siti 17

SS No. 37 ENG.indd 17 9/14/2015 12:55:08 PM 7 pg 17 accessible to attract Foreign discussions between the three Direct Investment (FDI). heads of East African states proved unfeasible for the If we attract FDI into the country, establishment of this political foreign companies can invest in federation. local workers. Foreign companies Why did can help train and educate the As far as the economy is local labour force and hire them, concerned, trade activities have thus creating employment and increased between the two Union Amina bringing in more money into the partners benefiting their people. country’s economy. People from the Mainland have been traveling to Zanzibar to buy Salum Ali We should stop exporting raw goods also the same happening materials and stop unnecessary for Zanzibaris going to the vie for import manufactured goods Mainland for business activities. from developed countries. The most conspicuous presidency? Q: Your views about the union achievement of the Union is that between and it has existed longer than any Zanzibar? other Union of its type in Africa.

A: If there is a pearl that we Despite the many shortcomings Best tourism attractions like should treasure and advocate it is the Tanzanian Union is a shining Ngorongoro Crater, Olduvai the union between Zanzibar and example of the integration of Gorge, and Serengeti can generate Tanganyika. Though the founders peoples from two different a lot of foreign exchange. Vast are no longer there, they have left sovereign nations. arable land can improve people’s us as one nation. lives if well utilized. Ports in Dar The biggest merit of the Union is Es Salaam, Tanga and Mtwara can Tanzania of 1964 has undergone that it has guaranteed Tanzanians also be good sources of income. tremendous changes from single security and diminished the Recent discoveries of gas and party to multi-party democracy vulnerability to external threats. oil also put the country in good to cope with the global So we have enough reasons to position to improve its economy. socio-economic and political maintain this union at all costs. arrangement. We should also change our mind Q: Your colleagues to the Ikulu set as a country, to make sure that Tanzanians have prided were said to have money to we open more local industries themselves in having the only support them. What did you that shall produce various Union of the independent states have? goods we need, instead of using which has been described by our limited foreign exchange many to be unique in Africa since A: I don’t have money, and I don’t to import goods. Currently no other states have followed think political post should be the majority of the things we their example. Tanzanians have bought. I had supporters behind consume are imported. Our farm not been discouraged by the lack me especially women who have products might fetch better of interest on the part of other vowed to support me. I specifically prices if they are bought while African states in forging larger thank Ms. Anna Abdallah who has processed. Our agriculture should political Units in Africa. supported me since I expressed be based on industrialization. the will to contest for presidency. The slogan like support Under the 1964’s Articles of Tanzania, buy Tanzania” should Union, matters consented were Q: Any word to the local media? be propagated from grass root only eleven (11) but now they are level. We should further develop more than twenty-three. A: I thank both print and electronic the country’s infrastructure, media for their coverage, though factories, telecommunications, Many efforts had been made they have not put me on their and distribution routes to make to establish the East African front pages. the country’s resources more Federation but the latest 18 Sauti ya Siti

SS No. 37 ENG.indd 18 9/14/2015 12:55:08 PM Parliamentarians as seen in the august house in Dodoma ready to start the session recently. Electorates are encouraged to vote more women into this decision making organ.

which is a prime criterion for any member of parliament to qualify for a special seat in CUF.

He says based on their regulation in place women who participate Special in CUF constituency primaries automatically are included in the list of special seat hopefuls, even if they lost in their respective constituencies. “This is because Seats divide they have dared, hence we give them an opportunity,” says Lugone.

Winning the primaries for CUF Tanzanians is not an automatic qualification for one to be appointed as a By Reuben Kagaruki representative through special seats because the Executive Council has legal mandate to anzania will be Others question the system appoint anyone based on zonal conducting general used to appoint special seat representation, he says. elections on October parliamentarians on claims T that some candidates enjoy He says it is impossible for 25th, this year. underserved preference because CUF to appoint special seat of religious affiliation, tribalism, parliamentarian based on A lot of people are expressing corruption and sexual abuse. their intention to contest to be underserved preference, religious affiliation, tribalism and sexual councilors, parliamentarians and Abdulrahman Lugone, the the president of the URT. abuse because of the transparent National Elections Officer for established procedures. Civic United Front (CUF) says As the country heads towards this their party uses their constitution democratic process, the issue of However, he says he cannot and regulations passed by the rule out the possibility of some special seats for women, just like Executive Council to appoint in the constitution process, is once candidates using corruption special seats parliamentarians in in the process but that is an again a topic under discussion. a transparent way. Some Tanzanians have started to unaccepted practice in CUF. rethink about the importance of He says candidates contest 8 special seats. internally through primaries pg 20 Sauti ya Siti 19

SS No. 37 ENG.indd 19 9/14/2015 12:55:08 PM 7 pg 19 Joyce John, says most women contest special seats instead of Salama Masoud, a special seat Special constituencies because they have councilor for Temeke Ward (CUF) no financial power. She says this says she is satisfied with the Seats divide system should be maintained system used to appoint special because most men corrupt voters seat representatives, though she and women cannot afford this. says some leaders have been Tanzanians using corruption and other illegal Naomi Kaihura, a special seat means like sexual abuse to secure parliamentarian through special seats. CHADEMA says to get rid of discrimination in parliament, She points an accusing finger to women should compete with male candidates that during the men in the constituency. elections they use corruption to win voters. She complains that special “I competed with male candidates seat members of parliament at the time of primaries to seek my are not receiving Constituency party nomination for contesting Development Fund (CDF) which my ward councillorship, but I to her amounts to discrimination. lost because some people were She says CHADEMA has a transparent system to appoint its dishing out 50,000 to 100,000 to Zainabu Vullu, a special seat special seat representatives hence voters,” says Masoud. Member of Parliament through there is no sexual harassment or CCM says accusations of sexual Kulthum Mchuchuri, a special corruption in the process. seat parliamentarian (CUF) from abuse in the process of appointing special seat representatives are Rufiji, commends the system Lightness Lwekiza, the Executive unfounded since for CCM the put in place by CUF which Director for the Institute process is administered by the leads to appointing special of Tanzania Entrepreneurs National CCM Women wing seat representatives saying it (ASHATA), supports Kaihura’s (UWT). eliminates corruption. position by saying special seat representatives are representing She says in the same spirit, CUF Because the nomination is a bigger constituency than has already nominated her to administered by women, there their colleagues the more contest for Rufiji Constituency in is no possibility of sexual abuse, reason they should be given the forthcoming elections and corruption and tribalism, she Constituency Development Fund she did not use a single sent to says. convince voters. as well. However Special seat parliamentarians are considered She says any man who wants to , the Publicity regional representatives and interfere with electoral processes Secretary for Chama Cha hence do not qualify for the within CCM women ask him to Mapinduzi (CCM), says in CCM constituency fund. they have clear established dress up like themselves in order to qualify to vote, something rules and regulations which The Coordinator for the which turns them away. are adhered to in the process Tanzania Women Cross Party of nominating special seat Forum (ULINGO), Dr. Ave Maria representatives. Vullu says the process starts from Semakafu believes the system to district to national level and appoint women into special seats “The procedure to appoint the winners from the party list needs to be improved as it makes special seat representatives in goes to the National Electoral them relax and reduce their CCM is known and administered Commission which appoints respect before society and even by women themselves, therefore special seat representatives. among their fellow members of it is not easy to find sexual abuse Asked whether she will contest parliament. in the process,” says Nnauye for a constituency in the forth adding that nothing can be coming elections, Vullu replied 8 pg 22 decided against CCM established not this time. regulations. 20 Sauti ya Siti

SS No. 37 ENG.indd 20 9/14/2015 12:55:08 PM Women lag behind in top decision making positions

By Nuzulack Dausen

hile the temperature for the general elections is on the rise, experts are scrutinizing women participation in the forthcoming general elections with a special eye by reflecting the history which has for a long time left Wwomen lagging behind in most decision making organs.

In the first multiparty elections from 62 women out of 288 According to the Inter- in 1995 only 16 percent of parliamentarians in 2005 to 127 Parliamentary Union (IPU), an parliamentarians were women. out of 357 in 2015. international organization uniting Out of 232 constituencies, women parliaments in the world, after the managed to win only eight seats. Compared to neighboring 2011 general elections Uganda Those eight women were joined countries Tanzania is second to now ranks third with 135 women by 37 specials seats appointees to Rwanda, which is the leading out of 386 parliamentarians. make a total of 45 women in the country in the world to have house of 269 parliamentarians. more than 50 percent women in 8 pg 22 the parliament. However, with time, the average number of women leaders in the political parties, parliament and the cabinet is gradually increasing. This is due to policy, strategy and President Jakaya Kikwete’s goodwill to empower women.

The number of women in the parliament has increased from 16 percent in 1995 to 36 percent by 2015. This follows affirmative action by the government to amend the constitution in 2005 to introduce a requirement of 30 percent women and a way of achieving this goal, special seats in the parliament.

Statistics by the Minister for Community Development, Gender and Children, Sophia Simba while presenting the 2015 ministerial budget indicated that the number of women in the parliament has increased Sauti ya Siti 21

SS No. 37 ENG.indd 21 9/14/2015 12:55:08 PM 7 pg 21 men. Translating this number means chair women accounts for 33 percent, while deputy Women lag behind in top decision making chair women account for only 17 positions percent. Whilst the number of women leaders in parliament and the In contrast, to neighboring Rwanda is still in the driving seat cabinet is low, the situation is country Burundi, the number of where the cabinet has 12 women worse for political parties. Out parliamentarian women went out of 31 ministers constituting of 22 permanent registered down after the 2010 general 39 percent of top decision political parties, only one part election. Before the election making posts in the government. ACT-Wazalendo is chaired by Burundi, with a total population a woman. Even at ACT, the of 10.5 million people, had 32 On the part of parliament, chairperson does not have the percent women in the parliament Tanzania is leading with a final say in the hierarchy, as the but after the elections the number woman Speaker, . party leadership is headed by the went down to 31 percent. While the number of women in the cabinets is on the rise in the Party Leader who is a man. East African region,in various The ongoing chaos in Burundi While Anna Mghwira is ironically parliamentary committees the where President Pierre heading ACT-Wazalendo, only situation is discouraging. Nkurunziza is seeking the third five women hold Secretary term in office creates fear that General Position for minnow such turbulent elections may The official parliament website of Tanzania indicates that out political parties namely, TLP, cause the number of women CHAUSITA, DP, Jahazi Asilia and to go down even further in the of 18 Permanent Standing ADC. While these parties are not august house. Committees, only six committees are headed by women, while among the big names, they are In the situation is three others are deputizing exemplary. discouraging as the number of women parliamentarians is only 19 percent, which is a slight 7 pg 20 increase compared to 10 percent before the March 2013 general Special Seats divide Tanzanians elections. Dr. Semakafu says the process to to appoint special seats Though the number of women appoint them is not transparent [parliamentarians] is defective parliamentarians is increasing, enough as it involves corruption as it cannot produce capable which generally is an encouraging and party requirements without parliamentarians,” says Mbunda. sign, women activists think they regard to capability and Mbunda says even women should also hold top positions in professionalism. ministers none of them has the decision making organs. This is because in East Africa none of Richard Mbunda, a lecturer at the shown excellent record since the the women is a president, vice University of Dar es Salaam in the cabinet was formed politically president or prime minister. Even Department of Political Science to showcase that the number of for ministers none of the country and Public Administration women is high. has achieved the 50:50 gender supports Dr. Semakafu position A similar thinking is expressed ratio. by saying most women in special by Mwajuma Salum, a resident seats did not meet the public of Makumbusho area in Dar “The number of ministers has expectations, while singling out increased from six out of 25 es Salaam who says “women a few who have excelled like contribution in the parliament ministers in 2005 to 10 out of 30 Halima Mdee, who ultimately by 2015,” said Minister Simba. was minimal compared to men.” won a constituency. This number is 33 percent of the cabinet. This equals the percent Salum advises special seat of Kenya which has 18 ministers “Most of them underperformed parliamentarians to research where six of them are women by not contributing or moving and read extensively for effective under President Uhuru Kenyatta’s private motions. It is without contribution during the budget regime. question that the system and other motions. 22 Sauti ya Siti

SS No. 37 ENG.indd 22 9/14/2015 12:55:08 PM Media neglect aspirant women

By Shadrack Sagati

TAMWA trained journalists and editors before primaries in the political parties with expectation to improve coverage for women. Though there are some noticeable changes in the nature of coverage, journalists still need to give more space and airtime to women to facilitate proportional representation in this decision making organ.

hile the number of women vying for the presidency increased this year after seven women picked nomination forms for the ruling party Chama Cha WMapinduzi (CCM), the media seem to have turned a blind eye on them. Amina Salum Ali, Dr. Mwele Malecela, Dr.Asha- Since the date they declared their intention to run Rose Migiro, Monica Mbega, Ritta Ngowi, Veronica for presidency these aspirants enjoyed extensive Kazimoto and Hellen Elinawinga have registered coverage from the date of picking presidential a new record for the elections through CCM nomination forms and seeking sponsors in the ticket since independence. In 1995 there were 17 regions, while other candidates received minimal candidates for the presidency in CCM where only coverage. one candidate was a woman; Rose Lugendo and in The total number of aspiring male candidates 2005 there were 11 candidates where none of them through the ruling party was 35 making a record was a woman. 42 aspirants through CCM. The question is to what extent do the media cover women compared to On the side, the coalition of opposition parties men? (Ukawa) appointed the former Prime Minister, , who moved to opposition after Dr. Hellen Kijo Bisimba, the Director for the Legal CCM declared their presidential candidate, to be and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) says the media their flag bearer. Lowassa picked Juma Duni Haji has not reported about women aspirants in the to be his running mate. In order to be appointed, same way it does for male aspiring candidates. Haji moved from CUF where he was vice chairman “We heard and saw them on the date they picked to join Chadema. In another development, ACT- the [nomination] forms, thereafter they are not Wazalendo appointed Anna Mghwira to be their heard anymore in the media,” says Dr. Bisimba. presidential candidate. She says the media has not been fair to those Before parties declared their presidential women and this is an outcome of a long standing candidates and prior to Edward Lowassa’s move to male chauvinism in the country where women are the opposition, the highest coverage was enjoyed regarded as second class citizens, and they cannot by Edward Lowassa, , January hold such top positions. 8 pg 24 Makamba and Steven Wasira respectively.

Sauti ya Siti 23

SS No. 37 ENG.indd 23 9/14/2015 12:55:08 PM 7 pg 23 like it is for Membe and Lowassa,” possible women aspirants have says Dr. Rioba. no journalists that is why they are not heard,” says Tegambwage. Dr. Rioba says Lowassa and Media neglect Membe were extensively covered Tegambwage laments the fact because they controlled factions that journalists wait to be called aspirant women within the ruling party, hence to events instead of looking for they were covered by all media aspirants to interview them and outlets from the date they write feature articles that would announced their intention to help voters know them. contest presidency to the date of “If you look [on the days of nomination. He says some men aspirants have picking nomination forms] male big names and many followers aspirants are shown with their However, Dr. Rioba says, he therefore big names make big wives there, and they continue to was surprised by how the news compared to some women be heard where they are looking media ignored Dr. Asha-Rose who are less known. He adds that for sponsors, but I believe women Migiro when she collected the aspiring women have no scandal who went to collect forms even nomination forms because she or anything to write about them. their husbands are not known did not get as much coverage as and not heard at all,” says Dr. one would have expected. For Tegambwage women Bisimba. aspirants have to visit the media “This surprised me a lot. How houses to be seen and heard. She says the media needs to come they did not accord some change and avail equal space coverage for Dr. Migiro while she He urges non governmental and airtime for women and has been the Deputy Secretary organizations to train journalists men candidates instead of General for the United Nations, on the importance of giving equal segregating some because they Foreign Minister and instead they coverage for men and women are women. “The media is not said ‘even she picks’?” queries Dr. during the elections. He also yet late, reporters and editors Rioba. urges editors to work without I understand live in the male discrimination. chauvinism, but they can rectify He says it would be a surprise if this,” Dr. Bisimba says. such poor coverage is accorded to Betram Athony, a Kinondoni Dr. Malecela because she entered district resident says women are Ussu Malya, from the United politics the first time and went for not getting fair coverage because Nations entity for women the presidency ticket. most newsrooms are male (UN Women) says she has not dominated, where editors do not conducted a research about the He also had high expectations take women aspirants as serious coverage but women candidate that Amina Salum Ali would have contenders. stories are not heard so much. been covered extensively because she has held a post of Deputy Richard Kazimoto, a computer Dr. Ayoub Rioba, a lecturer at the Minister of Finance for the Union analyst at the University of Dar School of Journalism and Mass Government and a full Minister es Salaam, says women are not Communication (SJMC) says of Finance for the Revolutionary covered because it is the belief aspirant women were all covered Government of Zanzibar, but has in Tanzania that no woman can on the day they picked the not been accorded a fair coverage become a president. nomination forms but from then for people to know her well. on they have not been widely Ndimara Tegambwage, a veteran “Even for CCM it will be hard covered. journalist says women aspirants to hand its flag to a woman for were covered when they collected fear of the repercussion that “This is understandable because the nomination forms but were Tanzanians may reject her and our media cover stories based on not covered in the process of end up losing the elections. the prominence of individuals. seeking sponsors. For similar reasons the media is Therefore, I should confess that not giving them coverage,” says the three (seven aspirant) women “You know some candidates Kazimoto. have not been covered regularly have a convoy of journalists, it is 24 Sauti ya Siti

SS No. 37 ENG.indd 24 9/14/2015 12:55:09 PM Senkoro: Govt should subsidize women candidates

Anna Senkoro was the first woman, to be appointed by the National Electoral Commission to contest presidency in 2005. By Agnes Temu

t is 54 years now since Tanzania attained The Presidency is the top civil servant post. her independence from the United However, ever since independence no woman has IKingdom. The country resolved to fight ever held this top civil service post. poverty, illiteracy, disease and aimed to improve good governance which comes Trials from women to vie for the presidency have been there through both the ruling and opposition with freedom of expression, association parties but unfortunately none of them has ever and political affiliation. won the presidency. When Anna Senkoro became the first woman to be nominated by her party and The country also aimed at having equal opportunity the National Electoral Commission (NEC) as the for all citizens in every aspect, especially politics first woman presidential candidate in the country where elected leaders enter decision making in 2005, yet she lost the elections. 8 pg 26 organs which determine the destiny of the country. Sauti ya Siti 25

SS No. 37 ENG.indd 25 9/14/2015 12:55:09 PM 7 pg 25 unnecessary poverty. “Life is Senkoro: so hard for most Tanzanians. As Tanzania prepares for her The country has every resource general elections, women and Govt should needed to become rich but I men being urged to contest wonder why we are poor. We is worth nothing according to subsidize have rivers, lakes, an ocean, Senkoro’s experience. a lot of natural resources and diamonds. We do not deserve to “Men and women of this country women be poor,” says Senkoro. all don’t have confidence in women being in leadership. My candidates To illustrate that poverty can fellow women were the first to be eliminated in Tanzanian, discourage me. They thought I Senkoro has started working; “I am not the right candidate and I have established two centers for had to lecture them about equal children who are living in harsh opportunity something that took conditions, one in Tanga and the a lot of my campaigning time,” other in Moshi. We can do the says Senkoro. same throughout the country and give them technical skills for She complains about male them to forge ahead,” chauvinism where in some regions of southern Tanzania it is Asked whether she believes a believed to be a taboo and curse woman can become president for a woman to stand in front of of Tanzania she says: “There men and say anything. Mhaville who accorded me the are a lot of women capable of airtime. She gave me one hour becoming President but have “I got huge resistance in the in ITV every day for free… I not come forward so far. Women southern regions. With deep thank Mhaville very much,” says like Sophia Simba and Anne rooted tradition and culture Senkoro. Makinda are quality material for all favouring male I decided to presidency.” stop my political campaign for Resources were another set back. some days and conduct seminars My party PPT-Maendeleo was For a woman to win the on gender equality. I started not receiving subsidy from the presidency the government educating them about the value government therefore the party should introduce a system of of a woman and the importance had no money to support my giving subsidy to all candidates of having a woman as their campaign. aspiring for councillorship, leader. parliamentarian and presidency. “My family supported me a lot. “After a number of days lecturing We used the little resource we I urge non-governmental them about the importance of had in our family… my husband organizations like the Tanzania gender equality, at last the elders tried all he could where we Media Women’s Association consented my request to hold managed to campaign in a few (TAMWA) to step up gender public meetings… I can’t even regions,” equality education to the public begin to tell you how challenging and to expose them to debates it was,” says Senkoro. Oppression in the ruling from time to time as a way to party forced her to join the build their confidence. Even educated women were opposition.“It is hard to become a opposing her on claims that leader in the ruling party. Women “I have returned to CCM and I am the time was not yet right for a leaders are oppressing fellow a permanent cadre. I have a duty woman to become president. women to maintain their posts,” to serve our society and in 10 years to come, I will contest the “I got the support from the Senkoro says she resolved presidency once again.” Director for Radio One/ITV and to contest the presidency in the Guardian Limited, Joyce 2005 to save Tanzanians from

26 Sauti ya Siti

SS No. 37 ENG.indd 26 9/14/2015 12:55:09 PM SAMIA: Tanzania’s possible first woman vice president

The CCM’s running mate, , returns forms to seek candidacy of the vice chairperson of Constituent Assembly in Dodoma. On her left is TAMWA’s former Executive Director, Valerie Msoka who was also a member of the Assembly.

By Deogratias Mushi

anzania is likely to have that this is the only way to elevate Before 2000, Samia Suluhu the first woman vice women to top decision making Hassan was an activist with no president in history, positions.“We say if the president interest in politics, and yet, 15 T is a man, then the prime minister years down the line she has risen after the ruling party Chama or the vice president should through the ranks to become the Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) be a woman. This is the only running mate of Dr. Magufuli, appointed Samia Suluhu way to bring about equitable paving the way for more women Hassan the running mate of representation,” said Msoka in to hold top decision making Dr. John Pombe Magufuli, June while training editors on positions in the country. their party flag bearer in the gender sensitive reporting. forthcoming elections,. This soft-spoken activist turned Samia was handed the running politician, is the current Minister mate appointment on July 12th, of State in the Vice-President’s CCM has listened to women this being the first appointment Office, responsible for Union rights activists who have by Dr. Magufuli, on the if scenario. Affairs between the mainland been campaigning for the This means, if CCM wins the and Zanzibar. It wasn’t easy 50:50 representations in the October 25th elections then to shift from social activism top decision making organs for the first time in its history, to politics since according – the argument being that if Tanzania will be having a woman to her, many government the electorates elect a man as vice president. officials and politicians have a president then the vice president pessimistic attitude towards or prime minister should be a Whilst women account for 51 activism, likening them to woman or vice versa. percent of the total population, political opponents who criticize the country has never had a government. Valerie Msoka, the former woman holding one of top three Executive Director of Tanzania positions in the government 8 pg 28 Media Women’s Association ”namely, president, vice (TAMWA) has been advocating president and premier. Sauti ya Siti 27

SS No. 37 ENG.indd 27 9/14/2015 12:55:09 PM 7 pg 27 the Institute of Development SAMIA: Management (IDM) now “Having worked as an activist at Mzumbe university and a Post grassroots level and witnessing Tanzania’s Graduate Diploma in Economics first-hand what people go from Manchester University in through on a daily basis; I thought possible first the . it was high time I joined politics and made changes in society,” Ms She completed her O Levels in Samia said in the interview in her woman vice 1976 and started work in 1977 as office in Dodoma recently. a clerk in the Zanzibar Ministry president of Planning and Development Samia says her nomination is a and after further studies became tough journey and was not given a Programme Officer with on golden plate. “People say the World Food Programme nimeukata (I’ve made it) but the (WFP). In 1999 she then took on post I’m heading carries a lot of the role of Executive Director responsibilities and I have to be for the Association of Non- well prepared to make sure that I Governmental Organizations serve my nation with dedication in Zanzibar (ANGOZA) before and trust,” she told her electorate being elected, on a special seat at Makunduchi constituency in slot, as member of the Zanzibar’s Zanzibar recently. House of Representatives in July The prospective vice president 2000 and later appointed by This running mate who showed is concerned with the fact that President her leadership skills as Vice a section of the population as the Minister for Employment, Chairperson of the Constituent struggles to access social services Youth, Women and Children Assembly in Dodoma says for such as water, health and quality Development. In 2005 she again the prosperity of the country, education and is irked that contested for Special Seats and she will try as much as she can politicians are not doing enough won and was appointed as the to make bold decisions in favour to change the situation. She Minister for Tourism, Trade and of the country’s development. said she is looking forward to Investment which she served Her major interests are women changing the situation – should until 2010. and children’s development CCM win. because she believes that once In 2010, Samia contested for a the two groups are empowered, She holds an MA from Southern parliamentary seat in the National the society attains drastic New Hampshire open university Assembly for Makunduchi development. in the USA; an Advanced Diploma Constituency in Unguja South in Public Administration from through the CCM ticket which she won, succeeding Mr Abdisalaam Issa Khatib. She was Whilst women account for 51 then appointed Minister of State in Vice-President’s Office (Union Affairs) by President Jakaya percent of the total population, Kikwete and has occupied the the country has never had a position ever since. Samia attributes her rise in woman holding one of top three politics to her candidness and firmness in making decisions positions in the government and she is confident that a lot of women can make it in politics ”namely, president, vice president as well as in the social and economic fields as long as they and premier. are determined. 28 Sauti ya Siti

SS No. 37 ENG.indd 28 9/14/2015 12:55:09 PM Children’s agendas need to be given priority by candidates

Guess who is going to emerge the winner

Coordinator of Crisis Resolving Centre Gladness Munuo is receiving an award from the President of the United Republic of Tanzania in recognition of TAMWA’s effort to bring gender equality and women empowerment at the climax of World Women’s Day, March 8, 2015

Coming together is a good way of sharing experience about gender issues. Above is a group photo of women activists after one of their meetings Sauti ya Siti 29

SS No. 37 ENG.indd 29 9/14/2015 12:55:16 PM