WOMEN ARE A DRIVING FORCE OF DEVELOPMENT IN SOCIETY – DR. BITEKO



📌 Says the Government will continue ensuring that they enjoy the rights and dignity they deserve


📌 Launches the National Action Plan on the Women, Peace and Security Agenda


📌 Aims to ensure women’s full participation in peace and security matters


📌 Urges Regional and District Commissioners to eliminate any signs that may threaten peace and security in society


📌 Says the launch of the Peace and Security Action Plan demonstrates Tanzania’s respect and commitment to international agreements


By the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy


Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Hon. Dr. Doto Biteko, has said that women are a source of motivation for development in society, and therefore the Government will continue to ensure that every woman in the country—whether a mother or a girl child—enjoys the rights and dignity she deserves.


While underscoring the Government’s commitment to guaranteeing women’s rights, including safety and peace, he called on women to remain self-aware and seize every opportunity available in the country.


Dr. Biteko made these remarks while launching the National Action Plan for implementing the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda (2025–2029), in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.


This resolution, endorsed by all UN Member States including Tanzania, emphasizes and prioritizes the full participation of women in all stages of peacebuilding, conflict prevention and resolution, peace negotiations, peacekeeping, and post-conflict recovery.


Dr. Biteko said the implementation of this UN resolution demonstrates that Tanzania is not only endorsing international agendas but also respecting and acting on global agreements. This, he said, continues to strengthen Tanzania’s international credibility under the leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, making the country a role model.


Speaking on the progress of the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda in Tanzania, Dr. Biteko noted:

“Tanzania has already made great strides and continues to advance this agenda. According to the 2021 Gender Inequality Index, the United Republic of Tanzania ranked 146 out of 191 countries, reflecting progress since the 1990s in promoting gender equality, empowering women, improving maternal and child health, and increasing women’s representation in Parliament.”


He added that, according to the 2021 Global Peace Index, Tanzania ranked 58 out of 163 countries worldwide in terms of peace and stability.


Highlighting other achievements in advancing the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda, Dr. Biteko said Tanzania has continued to elevate women into senior and decision-making positions. By May 2023, women accounted for 46.6% of the judiciary, 22% of the police force, and 30% of immigration officers. On the mainland, out of 785 state attorneys, 410 (52%) were women. In Zanzibar, out of 76 state attorneys, 34 (44%) were women. “These achievements are commendable,” he said.


Despite this progress, Dr. Biteko emphasized that challenges remain. Statistics show that 48.3% of women in Tanzania have experienced some form of violence. In the 2015 elections, 65% of female candidates faced insults, 17% were physically attacked, and 13% were subjected to sexual bribery demands.


He stressed that these figures highlight the need for stronger action to uphold women’s rights. The newly launched plan seeks to eliminate injustices against women and enhance their dignity.


Dr. Biteko also urged Regional and District Commissioners to vigorously implement the plan, including raising awareness and eradicating threats to peace and security such as harmful cultural practices, illegal immigration, gender-based violence, and drug abuse.


For her part, Minister of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Dr. Dorothy Gwajima, outlined key priorities of the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda, including conflict prevention, women’s participation in decision-making at all levels of peace agreements, and protection of women and girls from gender-based violence during and after conflicts.


She said the plan will yield positive outcomes for women’s peace and security, while enabling the Government to meet its national, regional, and international obligations in ensuring women’s full participation in peace and security issues.


Minister of Defence and National Service, Hon. Stergomena Tax, described the launch as a historic and weighty event, not only for Tanzania but globally, in fostering a just, equal, and peaceful world.


She added that it demonstrates the Government’s firm commitment to integrating women into peace, security, and leadership roles.


She thanked President Samia for being a strong international voice in promoting justice and peace, which has positioned Tanzania as a leading contributor to peace missions. So far, Tanzania has deployed around 1,500 peacekeepers—both men and women—in international peace missions.


Zanzibar’s Minister of Social Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children, Hon. Riziki Pembe, noted that the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda is vital for advancing women and Tanzania as a whole, since development flourishes only where there is peace and security.


She said the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar is already implementing the agenda in practice, with women gaining more leadership positions, including the appointment of no fewer than


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