The first *CSO Gender Coalition* supported *National Women’s
Dialogue*ended yesterday. The Dialogue was held at the University of
Dodoma and was
attended by representative women from all regions of Tanzania and created
space for women to discuss and debate issues that are key to ensuring their
advancement and safety.
Issues that were covered were: Creating an enabling environment for women’s
economic empowerment; ending violence against women; women’s rights to land
and other natural resources; women’s health rights; building and supporting
women’s leadership; and women’s rights in the new constitution. At the end
of the dialogues the women agreed on a set of resolutions that set out
their priorities for their regions. The delegates also visited Parliament
Thursday and Friday and had an opportunity to observe the work of
Parliament. Some of the women were not impressed with what they saw, with
one woman saying that she thought there was too much talking when the Prime
Minister was speaking. Another woman however expressed gratitude that they
had the opportunity to visit and observe the work of Parliament. In the end
it was important for women to observe, reflect and shape their own opinions.
Sunday morning, 51 members of the Parliamentary Women’s Group visited the
women at the University. The Parliamentarians spoke to the women about what
they are trying to achieve to advance women’s rights and to improve women’s
lives in their regions. They also listened to the concerns of women from
their regions and committed to remain engaged and to work with civil
society and women in their regions to try to address the concerns raised in
the Dialogue resolutions.
The resolutions highlight key interventions that women want from Parliament
and government. They also reflect a commitment from the women to go back to
their communities and inform others of what they have learned and shared
with the other delegates. The CSO Gender Coalition members will continue to
engage with women to provide support to them in their areas to find
solutions.