Habari Hub
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By Habari Hub Journalist
Zanzibar
June 19, 2025
Tunguu, Zanzibar – A diverse group of women leaders, political party members, government officers, religious leaders, and journalists gathered at the Tanzania Media Women’s Association – Zanzibar (TAMWA-Z) office in Tunguu for an open dialogue on violence and discrimination faced by women during election campaigns.
The session aimed to reflect on past experiences and share recommendations on how to create a safer and more inclusive political environment for women.
Mohammed Khamis, TAMWA-Z’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, opened the discussion by highlighting the historical context of gender inequality in leadership.
“Our history shows that patriarchy has long dictated who gets to lead. We are still facing the consequences of a system that discourages women from participating in politics,” he said.
Khamis also shared that over 10,000 women have been reached with messages on leadership and gender rights, and 503 women have already shown interest in running for political office.
“Our goal is to build stronger systems to respond to gender-based violations, especially during election periods,” Khamis added.
Maryam Keis, from the President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government, said the biggest obstacle to women’s leadership often begins at home.
“Upbringing plays a big role. From an early age, society teaches girls that leadership is not for them,” she explained.
Maryam Nassor, a online journalist, pointed out how some women feel they cannot move forward in leadership without male support.
“Many women feel powerless unless a man is backing them. This mindset holds us back,” she noted.
Hasina Ali Mattar, a member of the CUF political party, shared a personal experience.
“I was once told to step aside so someone else could take my position. When I refused, I was labeled difficult and that created divisions,” she said. “I’ve been in politics since 1992 and this issue keeps repeating.”
Khadija Salum, a member from CCM, stressed the need for mindset change.
“The problem is rooted in how we raise our children and the belief that leadership is expensive and not meant for women. We must promote equal responsibility between genders,” she said.
Saida Salum, from the Mufti’s Office, urged religious leaders to continue engaging in discussions about women’s rights in leadership from a faith-based perspective.
“Religion should support women’s inclusion. We have a role to educate communities spiritually and socially,” she emphasized.
Mgeni Salami, from the Zanzibar Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Authority (ZAECA), said that fear stops many women from reporting cases of sexual harassment in politics.
“The government has made it clear on sexual abuse in politics is a crime. Women must know and claim their rights,” she urged.
Mashavu Bakari Juma, from ACT-Wazalendo, cautioned against women being used to undermine other women.
“Sometimes women are manipulated to pull each other down. In the end, there is regret. We must stand in solidarity,” he said.
Omar Hassan Afande, a police officer, said the media has a role to ask tough questions about accountability and action taken in gender-based abuse cases.
The meeting closed with a collective call for strengthened systems, public education, and unity among women to push back against violence and discrimination in politics.
Zanzibar
June 19, 2025
Tunguu, Zanzibar – A diverse group of women leaders, political party members, government officers, religious leaders, and journalists gathered at the Tanzania Media Women’s Association – Zanzibar (TAMWA-Z) office in Tunguu for an open dialogue on violence and discrimination faced by women during election campaigns.
The session aimed to reflect on past experiences and share recommendations on how to create a safer and more inclusive political environment for women.
Mohammed Khamis, TAMWA-Z’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, opened the discussion by highlighting the historical context of gender inequality in leadership.
“Our history shows that patriarchy has long dictated who gets to lead. We are still facing the consequences of a system that discourages women from participating in politics,” he said.
Khamis also shared that over 10,000 women have been reached with messages on leadership and gender rights, and 503 women have already shown interest in running for political office.
“Our goal is to build stronger systems to respond to gender-based violations, especially during election periods,” Khamis added.
Maryam Keis, from the President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government, said the biggest obstacle to women’s leadership often begins at home.
“Upbringing plays a big role. From an early age, society teaches girls that leadership is not for them,” she explained.
Maryam Nassor, a online journalist, pointed out how some women feel they cannot move forward in leadership without male support.
“Many women feel powerless unless a man is backing them. This mindset holds us back,” she noted.
Hasina Ali Mattar, a member of the CUF political party, shared a personal experience.
“I was once told to step aside so someone else could take my position. When I refused, I was labeled difficult and that created divisions,” she said. “I’ve been in politics since 1992 and this issue keeps repeating.”
Khadija Salum, a member from CCM, stressed the need for mindset change.
“The problem is rooted in how we raise our children and the belief that leadership is expensive and not meant for women. We must promote equal responsibility between genders,” she said.
Saida Salum, from the Mufti’s Office, urged religious leaders to continue engaging in discussions about women’s rights in leadership from a faith-based perspective.
“Religion should support women’s inclusion. We have a role to educate communities spiritually and socially,” she emphasized.
Mgeni Salami, from the Zanzibar Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Authority (ZAECA), said that fear stops many women from reporting cases of sexual harassment in politics.
“The government has made it clear on sexual abuse in politics is a crime. Women must know and claim their rights,” she urged.
Mashavu Bakari Juma, from ACT-Wazalendo, cautioned against women being used to undermine other women.
“Sometimes women are manipulated to pull each other down. In the end, there is regret. We must stand in solidarity,” he said.
Omar Hassan Afande, a police officer, said the media has a role to ask tough questions about accountability and action taken in gender-based abuse cases.
The meeting closed with a collective call for strengthened systems, public education, and unity among women to push back against violence and discrimination in politics.
