IN a world yearning for justice and equality, the empowerment of women stands as a divine mandate, rooted in the very fabric of scripture. It is not merely a societal goal but a spiritual imperative—a reflection of God’s heart for His creation.

As Tanzania prepares to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8th with a national event in Arusha Region, the call to uplift women resonates with biblical urgency. 

This year’s theme, ‘For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment’ echoes the timeless truth that every woman is created in the image of God, endowed with purpose, strength, and dignity. But what does the Bible say about women’s empowerment, and how can we, as a nation, align with this divine vision?

From the very beginning, scripture affirms the value and equality of women. In Genesis 1:27, we read, “So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” This foundational truth reminds us that women are not secondary or inferior but equal partners in God’s plan for humanity. 

Throughout the Bible, we see women who defied societal norms, embraced their God-given roles, and became vessels of His redemptive work.

Deborah, a prophetess and judge, led Israel with wisdom and courage, demonstrating that leadership is not bound by gender (Judges 4:4-5). 

Esther, a queen, risked her life to save her people, showing that faith and bravery can change the course of history (Esther 4:16). 

Mary Magdalene, a devoted follower of Jesus, was the first to witness His resurrection and proclaim the good news, underscoring the vital role women play in God’s kingdom (John 20:18). 

These women were not passive observers but active participants in God’s story, reminding us that women’s empowerment is not about usurping authority but about fulfilling divine purpose.

In Tanzania, the journey towards women’s empowerment has been marked by both progress and challenges. 

The Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups has spearheaded initiatives aimed at uplifting women and girls, reflecting the biblical call to “defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:9). 

Economic empowerment programs, education campaigns, and legal reforms have sought to address systemic inequalities and create opportunities for women to thrive. 

For instance, the establishment of gender desks in police stations has provided a safe space for women to report gender-based violence and seek justice, embodying the biblical principle of protecting the vulnerable (Psalm 82:3-4).

Yet, despite these efforts, the road to gender equality remains fraught with obstacles. 

Deep-seated cultural norms and patriarchal structures continue to limit women’s participation in leadership and decision-making roles. 

The gender gap in education, particularly in rural areas, persists, denying girls the chance to reach their full potential. 

Economic disparities further exacerbate the vulnerability of women, leaving many trapped in cycles of poverty.

The historic election of Tanzania’s first female President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, is not just a political milestone but a testament to decades of advocacy and struggle. 

Her leadership symbolizes the culmination of a long and arduous journey towards gender equality, a journey marked by the tireless efforts of activists, policymakers, and ordinary women who dared to dream of a better future. 

Her presidency sends a powerful message to young girls across the country: that they too can aspire to the highest office in the land, that their voices matter, and that their potential is limitless.

The theme of this year’s IWD underscores the importance of creating spaces where women can thrive, ensuring that women have a seat at the table, that their voices are heard, and that their contributions are valued. 

It means challenging harmful stereotypes and advocating for policies that promote gender equality. It means recognizing that women’s empowerment is not a zero-sum game but a win-win for society as a whole.

As Tanzania marks IWD in Arusha, it is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made and the work that lies ahead. 

It is a moment to celebrate the resilience and achievements of Tanzanian women, from the small-scale farmer in Dodoma to the entrepreneur in Dar es Salaam. It is also a time to reaffirm our commitment to creating a society where every woman and girl can live with dignity, free from discrimination and violence.

The progress Tanzania has made in women’s empowerment did not happen in a vacuum. It is the result of decades of advocacy, policy reforms, and grassroots movements. 

Organizations such as the Tanzania Gender Networking Programme (TGNP) and the Women’s Legal Aid Centre (WLAC) have played a pivotal role in pushing for gender-sensitive legislation and raising awareness about women’s rights. 

The government, too, has shown commitment through initiatives like the National Gender Policy and the Women and Gender Development Policy, which aim to mainstream gender equality across all sectors.

However, policies alone are not enough. Implementation remains a challenge, particularly in rural areas where traditional beliefs often clash with progressive laws. 

For instance, despite laws against child marriage, the practice persists in some regions, robbing young girls of their education and future. This highlights the need for continuous advocacy and community engagement to shift mindsets and ensure that policies translate into tangible change.

Economic empowerment is one of the most effective ways to uplift women and break the cycle of poverty. 

When women have access to financial resources, they are better able to support their families, invest in their children’s education, and contribute to their communities. 

In Tanzania, initiatives like the Women’s Development Fund have provided loans and training to women entrepreneurs, enabling them to start and grow businesses.

Education is the cornerstone of women’s empowerment. It equips women with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the world, make informed decisions, and advocate for their rights. 

In Tanzania, efforts to improve girls’ access to education have yielded positive results, with more girls enrolling in primary and secondary schools. 

However, dropout rates remain high, particularly in rural areas, due to factors such as poverty, early marriage, and lack of sanitary facilities.

To address these challenges, the government and NGOs have launched initiatives like the “Let Girls Learn” campaign, which aims to keep girls in school by providing scholarships, building dormitories, and distributing sanitary products. 

These efforts are crucial in ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to complete her education and realize her potential.

As Tanzania celebrates International Women’s Day, it is a time to reflect on how far we have come and how far we still have to go. 

The leadership of President Samia is a shining example, a symbol of what is possible when we commit to gender equality. But it is also a reminder that the fight for women’s empowerment is far from over.

We must continue to challenge stereotypes, advocate for policy reforms, and invest in initiatives that uplift women and girls. 

We must ensure that every woman, regardless of her background, has the opportunity to thrive. And we must remember that women’s empowerment is not just a women’s issue—it is a human issue, one that benefits us all.

In the words of Proverbs 31:25, “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” May this be the reality for every woman in Tanzania and across the world.  

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us recommit ourselves to the cause of women’s empowerment, not just for the sake of women but for the sake of humanity. For when women rise, we all rise.