WOMEN military commanders are urged to seize training opportunities presented by the regional and global peacekeeping communities to enhance their skills and confidence as they prepare to lead peaceful missions.

The Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC), Ambassador Major General Wilbert Ibuge, made the call during the closing ceremony of the 2nd Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Peacekeeping Training Centre (RPTC) intergrated Senior Mission Leadership Course in Peace Security and Operations (PSO) and the 1st United Nations (UN) Women Military Commander Course with women commanders held at the Tanzania Peacekeeping Training Centre (TPTC) in Dar es Salaam. over the weekend.

The training was also closely aligned with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).

The Commandant highlighted that it is no longer a secret that women who have led top missions are rare AS traditionally, these roles have been filled by men, not because women can’t lead, but due to the demanding nature of the responsibilities, hence the call for more women to engage in leadership training and step into these roles.

“This UN Women Military Commander Course is the first of its kind at this high level since the United Nations was established. It presents a valuable opportunity for participants to build their capacity, understand regional and global opportunities, boost their confidence, and enhance their skills. Ultimately, when they attain ranks that qualify them for senior leadership in these missions, they will step into those roles without hesitation,” he said.

He added: The SADC Regional Peacekeeping Centre in Harare has engaged not only Tanzanians but also participants from all 16 SADC member states. This serves as another important call to women military commanders to take advantage of this opportunity, enhance their skills, and rise to higher leadership positions, playing a key role in promoting peace, stability, and the well-being of people across the region.”

Brigadier General George Itang’are, Commandant of the Tanzania Peacekeeping Training Centre (TPTC), noted that the course, aims to equip commanders with the skills needed to serve in various military roles both locally and internationally, ensuring they carry out their duties effectively.

He further added that regarding the senior mission leadership course, starting from the Force Commander level, Tanzania faces a significant shortage in these positions.

"While regional missions exist, the demand for officers with specialized expertise remains, and through these courses, we aim to cultivate female officers who will reach the highest levels in military operations," he stressed.

Lieutenant Colonel Glory Mkwizu, said women in leadership roles within the military face unique challenges in balancing their duties in peacekeeping, society, and family, but significant progress has been made as they gain the essential skills and strategies to effectively address these challenges both within the military and in their communities.

"We have acquired the strategies and knowledge needed, and from now on, we are equipped to address these challenges both within the military, in peacekeeping, and in the wider community,” she said.

Colonel Elirehema Evoyo, highlighted that bringing together the Police Force, Tanzania Prison Service, the Tanzania Immigration Department, National Security, and the Fire and Rescue Force improves collaboration by uniting agencies with distinct roles and expertise, particularly in peacekeeping missions.