WHILE gender-based violence (GBV) cases have declined in Tanzania, challenges remain in achieving full gender equality, particularly in education, leadership and economic participation, an analyst has observed..

Eluka Kibona, a social development advisor at the British High Commission, made this observation at a national discussion in Dar es Salaam on the women leadership gap in education, as part of marking the International Women’s Day.

The forum, which involved participants from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, underscored financial barriers that female teachers face, which often prevent them from furthering their education and leadership development.

Education stakeholders called for systemic changes to increase female representation in leadership positions within the education sector, focusing on training, mentorship and financial support.

 The mission adviser reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting gender equality and education, emphasizing that empowering women and girls is not only a fundamental human right but also a key driver of economic growth, security and prosperity.

Through the International Women and Girls Strategy (2023-2030), the UK was providing diplomatic and developmental support ensuring that policies advocating for women’s rights remain a priority, she stated.

UK’ support was aligned with Tanzania’s ongoing efforts prioritizing gender equality, strengthening legal protections, expanding economic opportunities for women and enhancing access to quality education, she observed.

Maulid Maulid, head of the Agency for the Development of Educational Management (ADEM), stressed the importance of investing in female teachers' leadership development through long and short term educational management training programs.

These programmes are meant to improve self-awareness and leadership performance among women, he said, urging the creation of government-backed funds for leadership scholarships, including grants or low-interest loans, to help women overcome financial challenges and pursue professional growth.

Establishing mentorship and networking systems at the regional level, where experienced leaders could guide aspiring female educators was also relevant, as it would offer valuable insights into leadership challenges and enhance the confidence of women in taking on advanced roles, he explained.

Setting gender-specific leadership targets was useful, he stated, urging the government to set clear, measurable goals for achieving gender parity in leadership positions in educational institutions.

This projection would motivate female teachers to aspire to leadership roles and ensure equal opportunities, he further noted, while Virginie Briand, the ‘Good Schools’ team leader, pointed at cultural norms, economic barriers and enforcement gaps hindering gender equality in education.

She asked forum participants to be active agents of change,  at a critical moment to make tangible progress toward gender equality in education and leadership, highlighting that the ‘Good Schools’ initiative was a government programme supported by UK Aid, to improve education for all children, focusing on safety, inclusion and quality learning.

Robust policies are needed to close the gender gap and support women’s advancement in education,  with systems that equip women with the skills, confidence and support needed to assume leadership roles, she stated.

Aziza Ally, head teacher at Nyamakonge primary school in Kibiti District, asked the government and stakeholders to work together to promote women’s leadership opportunities.

She urged women to stick to working hard as it would lead to recognition and accessing leadership positions. It is also vital to encourage girls to take leadership roles not just in the classroom but also in their communities, she said.

Indo Palla, a teacher from Rufiji District, echoed this sentiment, stating that investing in women’s education and leadership development would have a significant impact on the country’s future.

The discussion concluded with a call for greater support for women in education, with a focus on training, mentorship and financial assistance to help overcome the barriers that hinder female teachers from advancing to leadership roles.