Ikulu, Tanzania.
Samia Suluhu Hassan– the country’s first female president, has been both praised and ridiculed for the new sense of political tolerance she is bringing into her country. In March of 2023, she spoke at an event for International Womens Day, quoted saying, “The opposition is lucky that it is a woman president in charge because if a misunderstanding occurs, I will stand for peace and make the men settle their egos,”(DW). This statement caused the venue to erupt with cheers, singing, and dancing. The group who organized the event, Women’s Charter, has tasked Hassan with the responsibility to address the health of women, specifically concerning the high mortality rate in maternal and infant deaths. Many people holding political roles have admitted catching themselves underestimating Hassan, as a Muslim woman who wears a Hijab. Women in power in Tanzania is greater than ever, with now 9 out of 25 ministries in the cabinet (35%) headed by women. Another common factor in her appointees is their age. Young women have been tackling non-traditional roles and have been exceptionally successful. Among the 28 judges recently appointed by Hassan, 13 of them were women. Uganda’s womens rights activist Stella Nyanzi said, “I celebrate President Samia Suluhu Hassan because she has echoed the importance of giving Women governance. She is not perfect, but she is doing a good job.”
The leadership roles and political advancements in Tanzania made by women create excitement for people all over the world, inciting a new hope for what is to come.