Remarks by the UN Resident Coordinator, Susan Ngongi Namondo, International Women’s Day Commemorations

• Hon. Dorothy Gwajima, Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups
• Hon. Martine Shigela, Regional Commissioner of Geita
• Government Representatives
• Representatives of the World Bank
• Development partners, civil society representatives, members of the media
• Ladies and Gentlement

Wanawake Oyee! Wanawake Safii!

It is a pleasure to join you here in Geita as we commemorate International Women’s Day.

Allow me to acknowledge the Geita Regional Commissioner’s Office, the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, the World Bank, and all partners who have worked together to organize this important event.

Today we celebrate the achievements of women and girls across Tanzania — but we also renew our commitment to continue working to ensure that every woman and girl has the opportunity to reach her full potential.

Across Tanzania, women are farmers, entrepreneurs, teachers, miners, traders, innovators, and community leaders. They sustain families, strengthen communities, and contribute to the growth of the nation.

And even as we recognize encouraging progress, we are far still from 50/50. Many women still face barriers — to education, to finance, to land ownership, to decent work, and to leadership.

This is why investing in women is not only the right thing to do — it is the smart thing to do for development.

When women have access to opportunities, economies grow faster, communities become more resilient, and societies become more prosperous.

In Tanzania, this vision is strongly reflected in the country’s development ambitions and the ongoing discussions around Vision 2050 — a vision of a dynamic, inclusive and competitive economy.

For that vision to succeed, women must be fully part of Tanzania’s economic transformation.

This includes women in agriculture.

Women in business and entrepreneurship.

Women in science and technology.

And importantly here in Geita — women in the extractive sector and the wider value chains around mining.

Regions like Geita demonstrate how natural resources can contribute to development when investments are inclusive and when communities benefit.

This is why partnerships matter.

Government leadership is essential.

Development partners bring financing and technical support.

Civil society strengthens community voices.

And the private sector — including responsible companies in the mining industry — has a critical role to play in expanding opportunities for women, supporting local enterprise, and investing in communities.

The United Nations system in Tanzania, including UN Women and the broader UN Country Team, remains committed to working closely with the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and partners to advance gender equality and women’s economic empowerment across the country.

Because when women succeed, Tanzania succeeds.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day today, let us reaffirm a simple but powerful message:

A Tanzania where every girl can learn, every woman can earn, and every woman can lead is not only possible — it is essential for the future.

Let us continue working together to make that future a reality.

Asanteni sana.

Happy International Women’s Day.