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- Oct 28, 2015
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By Salum Ameir
ZANZIBAR: "If we wait for permission to lead, we will never lead." These words by the late Bibi Titi Mohamed, a former pioneering Tanzanian activist and politician, highlight the struggle women face when trying to lead.
Women around the world have shown that they are capable leaders, but there are still many barriers preventing them from fully participating in politics. Zanzibar is no different.
The legal framework provides a strong foundation for change. Article 21(2) of the 1984 Zanzibar Constitution states that every citizen has the right to participate in decisions that affect them and their country, without mentioning gender. This means women have the same rights to lead as men. According to UN Women, countries with higher female political participation tend to have stronger economies and less corruption.
However, the challenge is that opportunity doesn’t always follow ability. Women in Zanzibar continue to fight for equal representation, and many voices from experts, political leaders, and ordinary citizens emphasize the importance of this issue.
For women who have tried to enter politics, the road has not been easy. Huzaima Ali Hamdani, a former candidate for Pangawe and the Regional Secretary of CHADEMA, understands the challenges firsthand. Despite the obstacles, she remains committed to running again in the 2025 elections.
“Women are capable leaders, and we’ve shown this at different levels. The real issue is that politics is still mostly dominated by men,” she says. “It’s not just about winning elections; it’s about changing the mindset that leadership is a man’s job.” Huzaima believes that more institutional support and legal awareness will help more women succeed in politics.
For legal experts, ensuring that women understand their rights is crucial. While there are laws to support women, they often aren’t enforced or understood by the public.
Salma Omar Zenni, a lawyer from Zanzibar Female Lawyers (ZAFELA), says, “Women have made progress, but we still need more to ensure their rights are fully protected.” She believes that the law is a powerful tool, but it must be used effectively. “The law alone isn’t enough; we need to raise awareness and advocate for women’s participation in politics.”
Another important issue is the inclusion of marginalized groups, like women with disabilities. Ali Omar Makame, Vice President of the Zanzibar Federation of Disabled People, stresses the importance of inclusivity.
“Women are doing well in leadership, but the issue is access,” he says. “We need policies that support women and include those with disabilities.” His point is important, as women with disabilities face even more challenges in getting leadership positions.
But what do everyday people think? In Zanzibar, attitudes toward women in leadership are changing, even in areas where men traditionally held power.
In the coastal village of Kizimkazi, Idrisa Kassim, a fisherman, challenges outdated ideas about leadership. “Women have the knowledge and ability to lead just like men. Leadership is about results, not gender,” he says.
Halima Omar, a 28-year-old scholar from the Urban West Region, believes women’s leadership is the future. “Women have proven they can lead, both in Zanzibar and worldwide,” she says. “There’s no reason why Zanzibar should hold women back from participating equally in politics.” She points to leaders like Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Ethiopia’s former President Sahle-Work Zewde as examples of women who can govern effectively.
Amina Jeremiah, a food vendor from Nyamanzi in West B District, speaks from her own experience. “Women understand the struggles of the people because they live them every day,” she says. “If we had more women in leadership, I believe they would bring real change, especially in areas like education and healthcare.”
The fight for women’s leadership is not new, and the growing support for women in leadership is backed by evidence of their effectiveness. As more women push for change, and advocates continue to support them, it becomes clear: Women’s leadership is not a choice—it’s a necessity. The question now is whether Zanzibar will fully embrace this reality and take the necessary steps to ensure women are given equal opportunities to lead.
ZANZIBAR: "If we wait for permission to lead, we will never lead." These words by the late Bibi Titi Mohamed, a former pioneering Tanzanian activist and politician, highlight the struggle women face when trying to lead.
Women around the world have shown that they are capable leaders, but there are still many barriers preventing them from fully participating in politics. Zanzibar is no different.
The legal framework provides a strong foundation for change. Article 21(2) of the 1984 Zanzibar Constitution states that every citizen has the right to participate in decisions that affect them and their country, without mentioning gender. This means women have the same rights to lead as men. According to UN Women, countries with higher female political participation tend to have stronger economies and less corruption.
However, the challenge is that opportunity doesn’t always follow ability. Women in Zanzibar continue to fight for equal representation, and many voices from experts, political leaders, and ordinary citizens emphasize the importance of this issue.
For women who have tried to enter politics, the road has not been easy. Huzaima Ali Hamdani, a former candidate for Pangawe and the Regional Secretary of CHADEMA, understands the challenges firsthand. Despite the obstacles, she remains committed to running again in the 2025 elections.
“Women are capable leaders, and we’ve shown this at different levels. The real issue is that politics is still mostly dominated by men,” she says. “It’s not just about winning elections; it’s about changing the mindset that leadership is a man’s job.” Huzaima believes that more institutional support and legal awareness will help more women succeed in politics.
For legal experts, ensuring that women understand their rights is crucial. While there are laws to support women, they often aren’t enforced or understood by the public.
Salma Omar Zenni, a lawyer from Zanzibar Female Lawyers (ZAFELA), says, “Women have made progress, but we still need more to ensure their rights are fully protected.” She believes that the law is a powerful tool, but it must be used effectively. “The law alone isn’t enough; we need to raise awareness and advocate for women’s participation in politics.”
Another important issue is the inclusion of marginalized groups, like women with disabilities. Ali Omar Makame, Vice President of the Zanzibar Federation of Disabled People, stresses the importance of inclusivity.
“Women are doing well in leadership, but the issue is access,” he says. “We need policies that support women and include those with disabilities.” His point is important, as women with disabilities face even more challenges in getting leadership positions.
But what do everyday people think? In Zanzibar, attitudes toward women in leadership are changing, even in areas where men traditionally held power.
In the coastal village of Kizimkazi, Idrisa Kassim, a fisherman, challenges outdated ideas about leadership. “Women have the knowledge and ability to lead just like men. Leadership is about results, not gender,” he says.
Halima Omar, a 28-year-old scholar from the Urban West Region, believes women’s leadership is the future. “Women have proven they can lead, both in Zanzibar and worldwide,” she says. “There’s no reason why Zanzibar should hold women back from participating equally in politics.” She points to leaders like Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Ethiopia’s former President Sahle-Work Zewde as examples of women who can govern effectively.
Amina Jeremiah, a food vendor from Nyamanzi in West B District, speaks from her own experience. “Women understand the struggles of the people because they live them every day,” she says. “If we had more women in leadership, I believe they would bring real change, especially in areas like education and healthcare.”
The fight for women’s leadership is not new, and the growing support for women in leadership is backed by evidence of their effectiveness. As more women push for change, and advocates continue to support them, it becomes clear: Women’s leadership is not a choice—it’s a necessity. The question now is whether Zanzibar will fully embrace this reality and take the necessary steps to ensure women are given equal opportunities to lead.
