Lyn Frans
When Clara Zetkin, a Germain Massist theorist , Communist activist, an advocate for Women’s Rights in 1910, tabled the idea of setting a day for the celebration of International Women’s Day Celebration,she was unanimously supported by over 100 women from 17 countries, attending the second international conference on working women in Copenhagen.
The motive is to Honour the movement for women’s rights and build support the achieving universal suffrage for women.
March 8 was chosen for the celebration as it marks the day when women in then soviet Russia started a protest for the right to vote. Which they were granted in 1917. Although March was officially recognized by the United Nations in 1975 ,years before that many countries had been commemorating this day under different names. National Women’s History Week,
National History Month, Women and Girls Day, Anti-Sexism Day, Anti-Discrimination and lots before before the officially name International Women’s Day was globally adopted.
Its been one hundred fourteen years(114yrs) since its establishment and several successes have been choked and indeed has changed for women since then,yet gender discrimination in many part of the globe,remains the greatest global challenge of the 21st century.
International women’s day is day a global day celebrating Social -Economic, Cultural and Political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating Gender-parity.Significant activities witness worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women’s achievements , celebrating brillant women, highlighting the many issues that women still face,lobbying for accelerated Gender- Parity or rallying women’s equality.
This year’s celebration theme : “Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress for 2024, encapsulates the idea of recognizing the essential role that investing in women plays in driving forward societal, economic, and global progress. It emphasizes the importance of empowering women through various means such as education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and leadership roles. By investing in women, societies can unlock their full potential, foster gender equality, and create a more inclusive and prosperous future for all. Indeed, this theme underscores the significance of women’s empowerment as a catalyst for accelerating progress in diverse areas and promoting sustainable development on a broader scale.
There several brilliant women ‘whose advocacy for various reasons, have shot them to the limelight. For instance Jane Austain, an English -Novelist shot to fame in 1811 at a time when people did not believe women should work.Her work is still read and celebrated today.
Marie Curie, was a pioneering scientist known for her groundbreaking research on radioactivity that led to the treatment of many disease.She also the was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to have been awarded Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields – Physics and Chemistry. Curie’s work on radioactivity laid the foundation for modern nuclear physics and led to the development of X-ray technology. Her discoveries revolutionized our understanding of the atom and its structure achievements have left an indelible mark on the history of science and continue to inspire generations of scientists around the world.
Then 15 year -old Malala Yousafzai,a Pakistani activist is known for her advocacy of education for girls.She gained global recognition after surviving an assassination attempt by the Taliban in 2012.
Malala’s courageous activism and unwavering dedication to promoting education for girls worldwide led to her becoming the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate when she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 at the age of 17. Her inspiring advocacy work continues to shine a light on the importance of education and gender equality for all children, regardless of gender or background.
Our global political space, cannot be well documented without remembering these outstanding women in Politics.
Ellen Johnson -Sirleaf,also know “African Iron Lady” following years of political turbulence in the West Africa nation Liberia, made history when she became the continent’s first elected woman President in 2005.
The Economist, a Former International Civil Servant and Finance Minister, won a second -term in 2011,and a Nobel Peace Price, the same year.After a successful two-terms in office,she stepped down.Her reign ,brought a new dawn to Liberians , as she managed maintain Peace in a troubled West African Country, ravaged by civil war from 2006 to 2018.
Sylvie Kinigi,was a caretaker President of Burundi , following the assassination of the then sitting president Melchior Ndadaye. Who was killed during a coup d’etat in 1993, Sylvie Kinigi, became the first woman to hold the position in Burundi’s history and, so far, the only woman to have served as the head of state in Burundi from 1993-1994.
Joyce Banda, a prominent Malawian politician who served as the President of Malawi from 2012, 2014. Making history, as Malawi’s first female president and the second female president in Africa.
In Central African Republic Lawyer Catherine Salma Pamsa was elected as transitional President from 2014 -2016 ,when the country was in grip of a civil war .
Rose Francine Rogombe was the Interim President of Gabon in 2009 ,following the death of President Omar Bongo. She became the first female head of state in Gabon’s history. Rose Franccine ,however served as Substantive President before becoming Interim President for Gabon.
Monique Hossin Filipe became the Acting President after the resignation of Sir Anerod in 2012 . In 2015 however, the national Assembly elected Ameenah Gurib- Fakim a renowned scientist to become the first ceremonial president in the Archipelago from 2015 to 2018. She resigned from office following allegations of financial impropriety.
Ethiopian diplomate Sahle-Work Zewde cannot be forgotten as she was elected by Parliament to become the first female in 2018.
Golda Meir, Margaret Thatcher , Aung Sung Su kyi ,Angela Merkel, Thersa May ,Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton , Kamara Harris , will all remain phenomenal women leaders on our continent.
Here, in Tanzania,the country is immensely blessed, as gradually,the wide gap of inequality amongs men and women is slowly but steadily closing up.
The country’s National Assembly,“Bunge La WaTanzania” apart from having 133 women rubbing minds with men in decision making,the Assembly,is also graciously headed by a woman.Dr. Tulia Ackson as Speaker, presiding over a unicameral assembly of 393 members.
On International Women’s Day Celebration in Tanzania, the spotlight will be on the Trailblazer and President ,Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan.
To many she will pass off as a soft -spoken, Elegant , compassionate and reserve, but the 64-year old woman, is not new to public office. She is a woman of political colossal.
Mama Samia Suluhu Hassan, was born on January 27, 1960, in Zanzibar.Samia,pursued her education in Tanzania, where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Mzumbe University in 1986. The Mother of four, additionally, furthered her studies by earning a Master’s degree in Community Economic Development from the Open University of Tanzania. In 1994 Samia graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Economics from the University of Manchester.
Her educational background in public administration and community economic development has contributed to her understanding of governance and development issues, shaping her career in politics and leadership.
A former Office Clerk and Development Worker, Hassan began her political career in 2000 in her native Zanzibar, a semi -autonomous archipelago , before being elected to the National Assembly on mainland Tanzania, where she was assigned a senior ministry. In 1988, she rose through the ranks of leadership to becoming the Development officer in Zanzibar campaigns. Samia was employed as a Project Manager for the UN’s World Food Programme, and later in the 1990s, she was made the Executive Director of an umbrella body , governing Non-Governmental Organizations in Zanzibar.
Mama Samia got her first shot at politics when in 2000, she was elected as a Special Seat Member at the Zanzibar House of Representatives and was appointed as a Minister by the first President of Zanzibar ,Abeid Amani Karume.
First to youth Employment Women and Children,and then then as the Minister for Tourism,Trade and Investement respectively.
Samia, was the only high ranking female Minister
In the cabinet. In 2005, she was re-elected and later re-appointed as Minister in a different portfolio.
By 2010, Mama Samia Suluhu Hassan sort election at the National Assembly, vying for the Parliamentary Constituency of Makunduchi , where she won by more than 80% votes.
In 2010, the then President Jakarya Kikwete appointed her to mainland Tanzania as Minister of State for Union Affairs. In 2014 she was Selected as the Vice Chairperson on the constituent assembly, charged with the responsibility of drafting a the country’s new constitution.
Samia’s star in politics continue to shine as in 2015 Chama Cha Mapinduzi CCM Presidential candidate Dr. John Pombe Magufuli , chose her as his running mate in his first Presidential Campaign, making her the first female running mate in the party’s history.
Upon Magufulis’s victory in the election, Mama Samia consequently became the first female Vice President in the country‘s history.
Samia Suluhu Hassan on Friday , March 19, 2021 again made history when she was sworn in as Tanzania ‘s first female President before a room full of dignitaries , two days after the sudden demise of Dr. John Magufuli.
In her sombre mood at the state house , Samia took her oat as President of the East African Largest Economy Tanzania.
Since becoming President, Samia engagements and involvement with women is phenomenal. For instance, she has a female ring of defence around her, forming her daily security detail. From suited uniformed agents in Hijabs to Uniform military aide camp officers, walking side by side with her. Her choice of security detail, first on the continent , clearly portray her commitment to ensuring women have equal rights and opportunities as men in all levels of decision making.
President Samia ‘s regular interactions with women at the decision making level at the grassroot , goes a long way to signify her humility and her confidence in women. That women can achieve whatever they set their minds to achieve. She dolled this out in her native kiswahili language, when she met women groups in Dodoma and in Dar Es Salaam respectively.
Mama Samia Suluhu Hassan did not just make history as First Female President of Tanzania, but also her efficiency and commitment in the high office is exceptional and admiral all globally.
Recounting from her five years of rule , is a catalog of a back to back achievements, as she hit the ground running when she pledged to oversee the implementation of flagship projects initiated by the late President Magufuli.
Samia Suluhu Hassan’s ascent to the presidency marked a significant milestone for Tanzania and Africa as a whole, showcasing the increasing role of women in leadership positions.
As President, she has emphasized unity, transparency, and good governance to move the country forward.Indeed President Samia has achieved alot for the country since taking over as President in 2021. Her most outstanding achievement amongs all, is perhaps her initiation of boosting the economic basket through tourism and investment from other countries. This she iconically dubbed : The ROYAL TOUR”
President Samia’s embarking on a royal tour signifies a significant diplomatic mission aimed at strengthening ties with other nations, fostering international relations, promoting trade and investment opportunities, and showcasing Tanzania’s culture, heritage, and values on the global stage.
During and after the tour, President Samia engaged in official meetings with heads of state, participate in diplomatic events, visit key institutions, and engage in cultural exchanges to enhance Tanzania’s standing in the international community. Her Royal tour initiative serves as a platform to highlight Tanzania’s achievements, discuss mutual interests with partner countries, and further diplomatic cooperation for the benefit of Tanzania and its citizens.
Indeed the Royal tour documentary film is more than just an ordinary social media tourist marketing commercial. It was about the country, the culture , its resources and its most important assests.
Through that , Tanzania has earned lots of revenue and currently receiving lots of foreign investors coming into the country to explore the many assests the country is l blessed with . Majority of these countries and investors have invested in many developmental projects in the country .
The theme for this year’s celebration: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” resonates powerfully, calling attention to the pivotal role that women play in driving societal advancement and the urgent need to support and empower them further.
Investing in women is not just a moral imperative; it is a strategic necessity for sustainable development and progress. Women make up half of the world’s population, yet gender disparities persist in various spheres, hindering the full realization of their potential and contribution to society.
Empowering women economically, socially, and politically is not only the right thing to do but also a catalyst for accelerating progress on multiple fronts. When women are given equal opportunities and access to resources, they become agents of change, driving innovation, growth, and positive transformation in their communities and beyond.
By investing in women’s education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and leadership, we create a ripple effect that benefits not only women themselves but also their families, communities, and the broader economy. Studies consistently show that empowering women leads to improved health outcomes, increased economic productivity, and enhanced social cohesion.
To accelerate progress, we must address the systemic barriers that hold women back, including gender-based discrimination, unequal access to opportunities, and limited representation in decision-making positions. Policies and initiatives that promote gender equality, ensure equal pay for equal work, and combat gender-based violence are crucial steps towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
On this International Women’s Day and beyond, let us commit to investing in women and girls, empowering them to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to building a more just, prosperous, and sustainable world for all. Together, by investing in women, we can accelerate progress towards a more equitable and inclusive future for everyone.
The celebration of this day ,should not let us to only reflect on the progress made towards gender equality but also recommit ourselves to the ongoing journey of empowering and uplifting women worldwide. By investing in women, supporting their aspirations, and advocating for their rights, we not only create a more equitable society but also pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for all. Happy International Women’s Day!
Watch Short Documentary on this feature on our youtube channel :https://studio.youtube.com/video/Cp-5iktSwSE/edit
