Background

In Tanzania, women despite constituting half of the population as of the 2022 Census, women are significantly underrepresented in politics (public office and political party leadership) at both the local and national levels. In 2020, only 26 women were elected to parliament out of 264 seats, and women comprised nine percent of candidates for president, parliament and councillorships. Assuming power in 2021, as the country’s first female leader, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, signaled a new opening for women’s representation in the political and electoral process. In 2022, the President's administration supported a Presidential Task Force for Multiparty Democracy, which recognized women’s marginalization and recommended legislative reforms to improve party policies and increase women’s representation. 

It is evident that women in civic spaces faces hate speech , political gender-targeted violence while democracy is being eroded, women’s rights are under attack as well. Protecting democracy means ensuring an open civic and political landscape in which women can participate safely. 

About the Women na Demokrasia  Champions Program

 Imara Leadership Initiative (ILI) Tanzania aims to recruit and establish a women na demokrasia champions network across the United Republic of Tanzania as part of the WYDE Civic Engagement Initiative to bringing together women leaders from the United Republic of Tanzania in online and offline sessions who are working on creative and innovative solutions to bring more accountability to democratic governance.

We are  looking to establish the 1st cohort of  'Women na Demokrasia Champions'  to help champion for women civic space rights in i) Raising awareness to end hate speech in political spaces, ii) Champion to end gender-based violence that affects women, iii) Promote women representation in decision making process and  women in vying for candidacy in various political positions in the country.

'The Women na Demokrasia Champions Program Timeline

August 2024 - July 2026 ( 2 years ) 

The Women na Demokrasia Champions Commitments

The Women na Demokrasia Champions from Tanzania will commit to the following activities: 

• Be an active member of an institution working on good governance , promoting democracy in the country or be part of a studen'ts organization , community group , (possess skills in leadership on democracy rights as a community worker , online influencer or creative enthusiast).
•  Participate in the 'The Women na Demokrasia Champions Program' online meetings once every quarter and in-person meetings / conferences when available.
• Help to raise educational awareness about hate speech , gender-targeted violence for women in civic spaces in Tanzania.
  
• Take part in democracy related forums, trainings, outreach activities and campaign opportunities online and offline.
• Be an active 'Women na Demokrasia Champion'  in Tanzania.