AS the world commemorates 30 years since the Beijing Conference, Tanzania marks International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 by celebrating its remarkable progress in gender equality, economic growth, and healthcare development.

Speaking as the guest of honor at the celebrations held in Arusha today March 8, 2025, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to empowering women and fostering national development.

The Head of State highlighted that over the past 30 years, Tanzania has made significant progress, including a drastic reduction in maternal mortality rates from 1,500 deaths per 100,000 live births to 104 deaths per 100,000 live births. She emphasized that her government is working towards meeting global healthcare standards, which set the target at 70 maternal deaths per year.

“Tanzania has invested heavily in strengthening healthcare services, expanding infrastructure, and ensuring the availability of essential medical equipment and expertise at all levels, from ward facilities to referral hospitals,” she said.

She also stressed that Tanzania remains committed to achieving gender equality, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Gender-Equal Generation platform. The country has implemented key policy reforms, legal frameworks, and socio-economic programs to ensure that women and girls have access to education, leadership roles, and economic opportunities.

In addition, President Samia commended Tanzania’s strides in economic development, citing a 26 percent reduction in poverty since the implementation of the Third National Development Vision 2025 in 2015. 

She attributed this success to strategic policies that promote sustainable economic growth, infrastructure development, and social welfare improvements.

On clean energy, she noted that Tanzania is emerging as a model in Africa, embracing hydropower projects to ensure a sustainable energy future. 

Addressing parents and guardians, President Samia urged them to raise a generation with strong morals, respect, and critical thinking skills. 

She cautioned against a culture of aggression and called for nurturing youth who can engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to loud and emotional debates.

“As a nation, we must continue rejecting all forms of discrimination and build a society based on justice, equality, and inclusive development,” she concluded.

Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi, CCM Secretary General, called for women to persist in guiding, reminding, and correcting whenever the peace of the nation is threatened. He highlighted that the responsibility for the country's peace rests with women, and they remain eager learners, ready to listen no matter their age, power, or position.

Arusha Regional Commissioner, Paul Makonda, called for a partnership between the government and the Tanzania Law Society (TLS) to provide better legal support to residents. 

Makonda proposed mobilizing the lawyers to help eliminate legal disputes caused by ignorance, with a target set for September this year. 

He believes this collaboration will empower the people of Arusha and create a more informed society.

This year’s IWD theme, "For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.," resonates with Tanzania’s ongoing efforts to create a fair and inclusive society where women and girls can thrive. With strong leadership, policy reforms, and sustainable investments, Tanzania remains on track to achieving global development goals while setting an example for the rest of Africa.