United Republic of Tanzania

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. 

Samia Suluhu Hassan has been sworn in as President of Tanzania, becoming the first female head of state in the east African country following the death of president John Magufuli.

Ms Hassan, 61, was sworn in at State House in the country's commercial capital Dar es Salaam.

She assumes the presidency following Wednesday's announcement of the death of Mr Magufuli, after a more than a two-week absence from public life.

Traditional and religious leaders have been advised to take the leading role in ensuring that more women in their communities participate in the political process and leadership positions in Tanzania.

The call was made over the weekend in Dar es Salaam by Tanzania Media Women's Association (TAMWA) Executive Director, Dr Rose Reuben during a meeting with religious and traditional leaders from 17 regions of Tanzania.

Dr Reuben said religious and traditional leaders are gatekeepers of certain traditions as well as norms that are drivers of gender inequality.

When the President, John Pombe Magufuli, addressed the National Assembly on June 16th, this year, the final day before Parliament was dissolved; He made a strong statement encouraging political parties to give adequate opportunities to women, youth and people with disabilities in the upcoming general elections, a very important message for the country and women´s future political participation.

It has been revealed that Tanzania was making some effort to promote women in leadership, yet advances are going at a slow pace in many of the top political leadership positions.

Speaking recently in Dar es Salaam during women’s leadership and political participation half day seminar, executive director of TGNP Mtando, Lilian Liundi (pictured) has said that the community has negative mentality and perception on women participation in political leadership.

One-third of the MPs in Tanzania’s parliament are women, making it one of global leaders on women’s representation. The Tanzania Women’s Parliamentary Group (TWPG), a women’s parliamentary caucus, collaborated with the IPU on advancing gender equality through the work of the National Assembly.