United Republic of Tanzania

DESPITE Tanzania’s progress toward gender equality in politics, women continue to be significantly underrepresented in leadership roles. This gap is exacerbated by the rise of online harassment targeting women in politics, creating a hostile environment that discourages their participation. Laws such as the Cybercrimes Act of 2015, the Electronic and Postal Communications Act of 2010 (EPOCA), and the National Electoral Act of 2024 mandate gender balance in candidate nominations.

Dar es Salaam. As Tanzania gears up for the upcoming local government elections in November 2024 and the general election next year, there is a noticeable shift in the political landscape.

More young women are stepping forward to contest for various leadership positions. This change signals a significant move towards achieving the 50/50 gender equality agenda in political leadership, a target that has long eluded the nation.

Tanzania, in keeping with global political trends, reserves 30 percent of seats in parliament for women. These so-called special seats were introduced with multiparty politics in 1992, in response to the low numbers of women elected to positions of power.

Dodoma. Tanzania's political landscape is poised for a transformative shift as female parliamentarians unite under the banner of the "Women in Politics Parliamentary Group."

This empowered group is determined to push for significant changes in the upcoming electoral laws, particularly increasing the number of female candidates in elections.

ULINGO have awarded President Hussein Mwinyi for his role in developing Zanzibar including promoting gender equality.

One of notable area, the group said, was his effort to enhance women participation in decision making and leadership posts.

Just a few years before she was elected as a Member of the Zanzibar House of Representatives (ZHoR), Zawadi Amour Nassor didn’t have political aspirations, but life had bigger plans for her. Today, she represents the Konde constituency of Northern Pemba, where the Representative seat had previously only been held by men.