April 2026: On 11 March, 2026, the TGNP grounds in Dar es Salaam became a hub of powerful dialogue and collective resolve. Bringing together 135 women and men, TGNP commemorated International Women’s Day under the resonant national theme: “Haki na Usawa kwa Wanawake na Wasichana: Msingi Jumuishi Kufikia Dira 2050” and the global rallying cry, Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls.
Beyond Celebration to Accountability
The event was more than a celebration, it was a strategic call to action. The discussions focused on two critical pillars of advocacy:
- Budget Allocations: Demanding increased funding for Gender and Children’s Desks at police stations to ensure those experiencing violence receive immediate, unhindered legal and psychological support.
- Full Resourcing of the NPA-VAWC II: A demand for the National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children (NPA-VAWC) to move from paper to practice through robust financial backing.
“When women progress, society as a whole advances.”
— Ms. Gemma Akilimali, TGNP Board Chairperson
IDENTIFYING THE BARRIERS
A high-energy plenary session allowed participants to dive deep into the structural challenges hindering progress in Tanzania. The dialogue identified five critical gaps:
- Financial Deficits: There is inadequate funding for gender equality interventions.
- The Implementation Gap: There are significant disconnects between progressive policy frameworks and their implementation.
- Governance Barriers: There are not enough women participating in decision-making processes.
- Economic Hurdles: There are persistent barriers to sustainable economic empowerment for women.
- Structural Inequity: There are deep and persistent social and institutional challenges that perpetuate gender inequality.
How can we achieve Vision 2050 if millions of women are left behind?”
— Ms. Clara Kalanga, TGNP Ag. Executive Director
RECOMMENDATIONS
To reach the ambitious goals of Vision 2050, the 2026 IWD dialogue culminated in a clear set of recommendations for the government, civil society, and the private sector:
- Institutionalize Gender-responsive Budgeting:: Move beyond voluntary engagement with GRB processes and make it a legal requirement.
- Strengthen Justice Systems: Fully fund and resource Gender Response Desks to improve access to justice for women and girls.
- Fund the Frontlines: Provide adequate funding and resources to community-based gender-based violence prevention and response mechanisms.
- Economic Inclusivity: Promote economic empowerment programs and protect women from economic exploitation.
- Coordinate Actions: Improve the collaboration and coordination between the government, civil society, the private sector, and education institutions to ensure a cohesive, nationwide approach to gender-equality and economic empowerment.
“The implementation of NPA-VAWC II is not only the government’s responsibility but everyone’s. Every stakeholder must participate in learning and taking action to achieve the results we want.”
–Alex Shayo, NPA-VAWC II Coordinator.
Justice and Rights are the foundation
of a truly inclusive, empowered,
and successful nation.
