Joseph Isangura
The Tanzania Women’s Union (UWT) of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party has issued a strong condemnation of the act carried out by members of the Democratic Change Party Women’s Wing (BAWACHA), who recently burned kitenge fabrics that they claimed to have received from President Samia Suluhu Hassan during the International Women’s Day celebrations in 2023.
This act, which has garnered significant attention on social media, is described by BAWACHA members as a protest against the government’s perceived failure to address critical issues affecting women in the country.
In a statement released from the UWT headquarters in Dodoma, the National Chairperson, Mary Chatanda, expressed her disappointment over the actions of BAWACHA members. The burning of the kitenge fabrics, which were intended as symbols of solidarity and support from the President, was characterized by Chatanda as a disrespectful act that undermines the efforts made by the government to engage with women’s issues.
The incident gained traction online after videos circulated on various social media platforms, showing BAWACHA members publicly setting fire to the kitenge fabrics. In their protest, they expressed frustration over the government’s response to nine significant challenges that were raised during last year’s International Women’s Day event. Among these challenges are calls for the establishment of a new constitution, the provision of employment opportunities for youth, improvements in healthcare services, and the need for access to clean water—issues that are critical to the empowerment of women and the broader Tanzanian society.
Mary Chatanda addressed these grievances, asserting that the government has been actively working on many of these issues. She emphasized that constructive dialogue is essential for resolving challenges and urged BAWACHA members to engage in discussions with relevant authorities rather than resorting to acts that could be interpreted as disrespectful or counterproductive. Chatanda highlighted the importance of collaboration and communication between women’s organizations and the government to ensure that the voices of women are heard and their needs addressed effectively.
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“The act of burning these fabrics not only disrespects the gifts received from our leadership but also distracts from the serious discussions we need to have regarding women’s issues in our society,” Chatanda stated. “We acknowledge that there are challenges that need addressing, but we must work together in a spirit of cooperation and understanding to find viable solutions.”
The UWT’s statement has sparked reactions from various sectors, with many supporting the call for dialogue and collaboration to address women’s issues in Tanzania. Activists and leaders from other political parties have weighed in, emphasizing the importance of unity among women’s groups to push for necessary reforms and improvements in their rights and opportunities.
