United Nations in Tanzania

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Tanzania:

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08 September 2021

E-Journal: KJP Monitoring Mission by Ambassador of Ireland

Her Excellency Mary O’Neill, the Ambassador of Ireland to the United Republic of Tanzania accompanied by Irish Embassy Programme staff and Ms. Jacqueline Mahon, UNFPA Country Representative conducted a field-monitoring visit to the Kigoma region to check on the progress of implementation of the Irish-funded Kigoma Joint Programme (KJP) activities. The delegation visited various project sites located in Kasulu Town Council, Kasulu District Council and Kigoma Town.

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28 July 2021

Flipflopi completes its historic journey in Tanzania bringing together policy makers and community members to take action against single-use plastics

The Flipflopi dhow sailed into Mwanza, Tanzania early April this year, with a mission to end single-use plastic. The world’s first dhow built entirely from re-purposed waste plastics, including flip-flops aimed to lead a plastic-reuse revolution through education, positive storytelling and campaigns. Over a four-week period the colourful and innovative dhow travelled across Lake Victoria to visit Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, meeting business leaders, community leaders, conservationists, policy-makers and school children. The arrival of the Flipflopi in Tanzania, inspired artistry work and virtual webinars featuring youth and civil society organisations, The UN Environment programme, policy makers and the private sector who discussed the impact of plastic pollution on the lake and what we can all do about it. The dhow was received by Mwanza City Council and a diverse range of local and international partners accompanied by events aimed at beating plastic pollution and tackling marine litter. It also set up plastic waste recycling centres to serve the citizens of the lake. Flip Floppi partnered with the Global Clean seas campaign to deliver a key message on the alarming impact of plastics on oceans and freshwater ecosystems. A recent study from Mwanza estimated that 1 in 5 fish in Lake Victoria had ingested plastic. UNEP informs global populations that some 8 million tonnes of plastic end up in the sea every year, sickening wildlife, clogging fishing nets and sometimes ending up on dinner plates. The Executive Director for Environmental Management and Economic Development Organization (EMEDO). Ms. Editrudith Lukanga, emphasized, “Plastic pollution and waste do not respect borders. Wherever you live around the lake, we can all play our role to reduce the plastic we throw away, and re-purpose it to bring value to our communities, and save Lake Victoria for future generations” Lake Victoria supports more than 40 million people and has been under increased pressure from the dramatic effects of climate change and pollution, which has severely impacted the lake and threatens the health and livelihoods of communities.

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22 July 2021

UNESCO Assesses the Implementation and Effectiveness of the Re-Entry Policy on Pregnant learners in Zanzibar.

UNESCO commissioned a study to assess the implementation and effectiveness of the Re-Entry Policy on Pregnant learners in Zanzibar, to investigate gaps for intervention and areas for improvement. The two-day meeting included directors from the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training-MoEVT and educational stakeholders.

The guest of honor was Hon. Simai Said, the Minister of Education and Vocational Training in Zanzibar. In his comments, Hon Said urged the ministry to support initiatives that would raise public awareness on the re-entry policy which refers to girls returning to school after giving birth. He added that, “As we are working on this matter, we need to find ways to combat the problem of young people getting pregnant while in school.” According to data from the Registrar of Education, a total of 646 girls became pregnant from 2005 to 2020 in Zanzibar. Within this group, 190 learners were in upper primary level between ages 13 to 16; 452 at Ordinary Secondary and 4 were at the Advance level of secondary education aged 16 to 18.

The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar (RGoZ) reiterated its commitment through highlighting the “Educational policy of 2006” on preventing adolescent girls from getting pregnant and which ensures pregnant school girls return after delivery. Some of the key findings from this assessment revealed there was low awareness and understanding of the Re-entry policy among students, parents, and pregnant adolescent learners. The Ministry of Education has established Inclusive Education and Life Skills Unit and Office of Education Registrar which are key players in the implementation of the policy.

Some key recommendations given to effectively implement the re-entry to school policy include the need to review the existing Education Policy and realign it with the current situation, society demands and findings from the re-entry policy assessment. For example to develop national guidelines for the implementation, conduct needs assessment on what to include, strengthen guidance and counselling services at School, and support multi-sectoral collaboration to promote retention of pregnant girls in schools. Mr. Tirso Dos Santos, the UNESCO Representative to Tanzania said, “UNESCO recognizes and commends government efforts through MoEVT, for putting in place conducive policy environment and structures that facilitate all school age children to enroll and complete their studies.”

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28 May 2021

From commitment to action: Breaking down barriers to menstrual hygiene management in Kigoma

“It’s difficult to talk about menstruation and sanitary pads openly because it’s not something we do. I try to save money for pads, but if this runs out I use pieces of cloth,” says Bupe.* Pieces of cloth, she adds, that have to be dried out of sight. She is not alone. Managing menstruation is often challenging for adolescent girls in Tanzania – and around the world – where privacy and access to affordable materials and water to manage periods are often lacking. Persistent inequalities and perceptions that menstruating is somehow ‘dirty’ or ‘shameful’ can also mean that menstruation and puberty mark the start of restrictions to girls’ mobility and behaviour – a time when their opportunities can radically diminish; a time when they start to miss out. “I used to miss one week of school every month,” says Glory.* “I didn’t want to shame myself in front of my peers.” Her narrative is echoed by her friends. The silence and stigma that exists around menstruation continue to disempower girls globally, negatively affecting their education and health. But in Kasulu District, Kigoma Region, Tanzania, this is changing. Empowering girls Today, as Menstrual Hygiene Day is commemorated around the globe, with a call for increased investments and action to realize the collective vision of a world where women and girls can manage their menstruation with dignity and respect, UNFPA handed over-improved latrines that have been built at 10 primary schools in Irish Aid-supported Ujana Wangu Nguvu Yangu – My Youth, My Power – project districts in Kigoma. The latrines include a dedicated changing room for girls with an attached incinerator for the disposal of used sanitary pads. Five thousand Dignity Kits, complete with reusable sanitary pad, were also distributed to school girls attending the celebrations, in tandem with menstrual hygiene education sessions – over 10,000 pads have been distributed since the project began in 2018. Asma,* one of the recipients of the Dignity Kits, and a student at KumKata primary school, could barely hide her delight. She described the kit, and access to period-friendly sanitation facilities at her school, as “a golden opportunity”; a chance to compete as an equal with her male peers. “The drums are roaring for the girls of Kigoma now,” she added with a smile. Committed to change Over 10,000 girls and boys have attended education sessions on menstrual hygiene management (MHM) in the five Ujana project districts since 2018. They are now championing efforts to spread the message that menstruation is a normal and healthy part of life. Extensive advocacy with school committees, teachers, parents and caretakers for period-friendly sanitation facilities in schools has also secured commitment for the replication of the 10 latrines built under the project at more schools in the future. Leaving no one behind is the central, transformative promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and although there is no specific goal or indicator related to menstrual hygiene, ensuring that all women and girls can manage their periods with dignity is integral to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 – good health and well-being – and SDG5 – gender equality and women’s empowerment – as well as several others. UNFPA in Tanzania will continue to support efforts to build sustainable and effective MHM programmes that expand access to affordable and environmentally-friendly menstrual products and period-friendly facilities and bust myths that periods are a problem, so that girls in Kigoma – and across Tanzania – are not held back and do not miss school, but are empowered to compete as equals and realize their potential and aspirations – period! Names have been changed.*

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14 September 2021

UN Deputy Secretary-General reaffirms UN’s support to Tanzania and SDGs

The United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Ms. Amina J. Mohammed, has reaffirmed the UN’s support to working with the Government and people of Tanzania to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the country’s national development priorities. At the State House in Chamwino in Dodoma region, Ms. Mohammed met with the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Samia Suluhu Hassan, where she conveyed greetings from UN Secretary-General António Guterres. She also congratulated President Samia on becoming the first female president of Tanzania and wished her well in her duties. On her side, President Hassan congratulated Ms. Mohammed on her recent reappointment for a second term in the position of Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and assured her of further cooperation, as the UN, through its various agencies, is a valued development partner in the country. President Hassan told the Deputy Secretary-General that the government continues to improve the business and investment environment in the country, whereby in the last three months the number of investors has increased. In their conversation, Ms. Mohammed assured President Hassan that the UN would continue to support her government in various efforts to bring development to Tanzania, including achieving the SDGs. She also praised Tanzania’s efforts against the COVID 19 pandemic. She said the United Nations continues to ensure equitable access to vaccines and continued discussions with financial institutions to see how they can help developing countries cope with the pandemic. The UN Deputy Secretary also pledged to support the government’s phase 6 efforts to improve maternal and child health services and clean and safe water access. In her short visit, the Deputy Secretary-General also addressed the UN Tanzania System. She congratulated different agencies working in the country and insisted on an increased presence of UN activities at the grassroots.

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08 September 2021

Enhancing Partnerships to End GBV in Kigoma

In Tanzania, UN Women is intensifying its efforts to enhance partnerships in the fight to end violence against women and girls in the Kigoma Region. In collaboration with the Kigoma Regional Office, UN Women organized a stakeholders’ dialogue meeting to facilitate discussions on improving partnerships in the fight against gender-based violence. A total of 61 per cent of women aged 15-49 in Kigoma have experienced sexual or emotional violence perpetrated by their husband or partner, with 33.4 per cent suffering violence in the 12-months preceding the Demographic and Health survey of 2015/16. UN Women is one of the 16 UN agencies working in the Kigoma Region through the UN Kigoma Joint Program. The programme is providing support to refugees and host communities to foster co-existence, improve development, and ensure peace and stability. The UN agencies are collaborating across seven thematic areas including ending violence against women and children, youth and women’s economic empowerment, education with a focus on young women and girls, agriculture and development of local markets, health and HIV, and nutrition. The stakeholders’ dialogue aimed to support government’s efforts through the National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children (NPA-VAWC), which drives UN Women’s Ending Violence Against Women (EVAW) programme. It was attended by 63 participants drawn from the Kigoma Regional Secretariat’s office, social workers, legal experts, the media, psychologists, the Elders Initiative, and representatives of local and international non-governmental organisations – all based in Kigoma. Discussions evolved around crafting strategies to improve collaboration, coordination, communication, monitoring of activities, and evaluation of the programme’s impact. The EVAW Programme Specialist, Ms. Lucy Tesha, said stakeholders agreed on developing a joint work plan to improve partnerships and promote joint implementation. “Given the need for activities to speak to one another, prevent duplication of efforts, and maximise utilization of limited resources, a joint work plan will help all stakeholders to know and understand the work being done, as well as support reporting and collection of data for monitoring and evaluation,” Ms. Tesha said. She further explained that, in one of EVAW programme strategies, UN Women is working through Gender Forums to gather views that are helping to improve the gender-responsive implementation of the EVAW programme. “Stakeholders identified the need to further expand these Gender Forums in all communities to reach more women and girls and other strategic partners, such as the media and school-teachers.” She said by bringing the forums much closer to the local communities, more women and girls can participate in the discussions, while encouraging teachers to support education on GBV in schools, in addition to improving relations with the media as they capture discussions to raise awareness. Ms. Tesha said the majority of participants also called on establishing feedback mechanisms in schools, marketplaces, and public transport depots to improve reporting of GBV cases. “Participants also called on measures to help improve the quality of interventions through strengthening of support to survivors at family and community level, management of cases at the police gender and children’s desks, access to legal aid and health services, and timely delivery of justice for women and girls,” she said. On his part, the Kigoma Regional Community Development Officer and focal person on GBV prevention, Mr. Msafiri Nzurunuri, reiterated the need for concerted efforts by all stakeholders in the region to align activities with the National Strategy and Guidelines on the Prevention of VAWC and the Regional Communications Plan. “The Regional Communications Plan includes key messages, which all actors should use in their advocacy work for us to have the same position and narratives,” said Mr. Nzurunuri. He advocated for a bottom-up communication approach working through community dialogues and ensuring that community members become drivers of implementing solutions discussed and agreed on during public discussions.

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08 September 2021

UN Women and Govt Training to Improve Delivery of Psycho-Social and GBV Services

In Arusha, UN Women and the Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elders and Children co-organized the first Training of Trainers that focused on highlighting the need to incorporate gender dimensions in mental health, gender-based violence, and psychosocial support services. This week-long training aimed to build the capacity of trainers to effectively provide gender-responsive essential services for survivors of gender-based violence, offer mental health and psycho-social support, and address the various needs of women, girls, men and boys, and their communities affected by the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 33 social welfare officers and psychologists from the Ministry of Health, Institute of Social Work, Tanzania Social Workers Association, Segerea Correctional Services, and community development and health care workers participated in the workshop. According to the UN Women Programme Specialist for Ending Violence Against Women (EVAW), Ms. Lucy Tesha, providing GBV, mental health and psychosocial support is a critical life-saving service during the COVID-19 response as it ensures psychological wellbeing of patients, families, and care providers. “Through effective service provision, psychosocial challenges such as fear, stigma, and social exclusion are reduced. Survivors of gender-based violence can receive counselling support and referred for other services such as health and legal aid,” Ms. Tesha said. In the last five years, the Government of Tanzania has made significant progress in increasing coverage and access to psychosocial care and GBV services, working with various partners, including UN Agencies, the private sector, and other non-governmental organizations. The COVID-19 emergency has further necessitated multi-stakeholder collaboration to expand prevention and response efforts through the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Pillar of the COVID-19 National Response Task Team. The Training of Trainers facilitated the development of a new Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support training manual, which is going to help address the gaps in the delivery of mental health and gender-based violence essential services. The Head of the Mental Health and Substance Use Division of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Shadrack Buswelu Makubi, said the partnership will support trainers to impart skills to other service providers for improved handling of cases. “For example, as they deliver essential services, we would like the trainers to support others to be able to identify the symptoms of mental health including excessive paranoia, anxiety, sadness, mood swings, and poor sleeping habits,” Dr. Makubi said. He further explained the need to segment groups of people based on their level of vulnerability and gender, and to understand the associated factors and risks for them to know how to respond and care for different conditions. “Importantly, we would also like this training to do more in terms of improving handling of gender-based violence cases, as GBV is one of the primary causes of mental health challenges among women and girls,” Dr. Makubi said. He shared some strategies to help improve handling of cases including conducting gender-sensitive and non-judgmental discussions with families and survivors of gender-based violence, and with other groups of people seeking psycho-social support. He emphasized strengthening partnerships with families of survivors. “Partnering with families will ensure that treatment and support continues well beyond the services delivered in care facilities. It is important that the family does not blame the survivor to ensure a positive response to treatment and recovery,” he said.

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09 September 2021

UN Women and Partners Launch Gender Journalism Awards

The UN Women and Partners have launched the 2021 Gender Journalism Awards Competition for Journalists working in the East and Southern Africa Region. The competition aims to promote gender-sensitive reporting that reflects the work and impact of feminist movements in advancing gender equality in the region. Efforts will promote the objectives of the Feminist Movements and Leadership Action Coalition under the Generation Equality Forum, a partnership of UN Women and the Governments of Mexico and France. The contest is jointly organized by the UN Women Tanzania, UN Women Malawi, the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), the African Women Leaders’ Network (Tanzania and Malawi Chapters), the Tanzania Media Women Association (TAMWA), the Association of Women in Media (Malawi), and the MISA Chapters in Tanzania and Malawi. This initiative also aims to enhance multi-stakeholder partnerships in the regional gender space leading to the expansion of coverage on the barriers to the realization of gender equality. In recognition of excellence in advancing the rights of women and girls, and in showcasing strategies and innovative approaches used to bridge the gender gap in all socio-economic and political sectors, a total of 15 prizes will be awarded on December 10 this year. The May launch was attended by over 100 participants, including senior government officials from Tanzania and Malawi, representatives from regional media organisations, feminist movements, development partners, the private sector, and civil society. The Canadian High Commissioner to Tanzania Ms. Pamela O’Donnell, the Norwegian Ambassador to Malawi Mr. Steiner Hagen, and the French Embassy’s Deputy Head of Mission in Tanzania Mr. Alexandre Peaudeau were among the panellists who shared lessons on how to better collaborate with the media for gender equality. Malawi’s Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Dr. Patricia Kaliati, was joined by Tanzania’s Director for Gender in the Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elders and Children, Ms Mboni Mgaza, who represented the Permanent Secretary, Dr John Jingu, to officially launch the regional awards. Speaking at the ceremony, the UN Women Acting Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Mr. Moez Doraid highlighted a series of Generation Equality activities being implemented in the region to engage the media, governments, feminist movements, civil society, youth, and other actors who influence progress in gender equality. “In Tanzania and Malawi we are focusing on building strong feminist movements, and one of the activities is the Regional Gender Journalism Awards. Through our advocacy work and other programmes, we acknowledge that the media are a key ‘entry point’ for promoting gender equality and transforming social norms because of their unique reach to broad sections of the population,” said Mr. Doraid. He said the Generation Equality campaign “is about everyone’s action. It is my responsibility, as well as yours, to continue pushing the needle towards the full implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action.” On her part, the Guest of Honour, Dr. Patricia Kaliati, said the need for the media to foster stronger partnerships in gender advocacy with the feminist movements has a great potential to yield game-changing results. “These results can stir a major shift in narratives and framing and packaging of news articles through a well-informed gender lens. That will help in transforming mindsets and building societies that understand the importance of gender equality in our quest for sustainable development,” said Dr. Kaliati. Ms. Mboni Mgaza, the Director for Gender in Tanzania, emphasized the need to motivate and encourage journalists through initiatives such as the Media Awards, alongside “pooling resources together to promote the development of in-depth and serialization of various subject areas on gender equality, including women as news sources,” Ms. Mboni said. She said the transformative role played by the media in advancing gender equality in the region must not be underestimated. “In all our strategies, we should bring the media much closer to our work, as critical allies who can collaborate with us in all programmes. We would like the media to support our efforts in highlighting gender concerns, and, in turn, enhance our advocacy for more investment towards advancing the rights of women and girls,” said Ms. Mgaza. On her part, Ms. Hodan Addou, UN Women Representative, said the media is undoubtedly an indispensable partner in driving the feminist movements and leadership agenda and a great influence in mobilizing public opinion and agenda-setting. “Through news content, the media can shape attitudes, and behaviour change to support communities to overcome gender stereotypes, harmful cultural practices, and structural barriers.” The Journalism Awards Competition, she said, will create opportunities for South-South Cooperation, and promote production of well researched regional stories, and setting of a new regional agenda for collective efforts that leave no country behind under the Generation Equality campaign. The UN Women Representative in Malawi, Ms. Clara Mah Anyangwe said over the years, feminist movements have opened public spaces to women and other marginalized populations to voice their socio-economic and political demands, from changing the way power works to decentralizing and democratizing governance, engaging and amplifying diverse voices. “Importantly, the media are a critical partner for regional agenda setting, awareness-raising and promoting gender equality, women’s visibility including amplifying their voices. It is in this spirit that we are now fostering this unique partnership so that together, we move towards realizing our common goal,” said Ms. Anyangwe. The UN Resident Coordinator in Tanzania, Mr. Zlatan Milisic, highlighted the need to address gender-based violence in the media sector, citing reports by several media organizations that show that “safety of female media workers needs to be a key priority for everyone, including governments, captains of the media industry, and development partners.” He recommended investing more in building a culture of safety in the media and putting in place gender-responsive mechanisms for complaints and remedial actions to protect female journalists. “Gender-responsive media laws and policies can make way for gender transformative editorial policies and strategic action plans to better promote safety and advance women’s leadership in the media.” Mr. Milisic said failure to address challenges can sustain barriers to gender equality within the sector, and affect the quality and diversity of news, which in turn can perpetuate misleading gender and sex-based narratives against women.

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27 July 2021

Tanzania receives first Covid-19 Vaccine batch

This donation of Johnson Covid-19 vaccines from The United States is part of the COVAX arrangement. The country plans to vaccinate around 34 million of the population who will show up voluntarily. The vaccine are expected to be issued free of charge in health facilities and special centres to be introduced across the country to ease access. The priority would be health workers, people above 50 years and people with underlying diseases. 10 regions including Dodoma, Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Mbeya, Kigoma Iringa, Mtwara and Arusha which have been hit more by COVID-19 will be given priority. The Minister also informed that the country expects to receive other kinds of vaccines in the coming weeks. The US Ambassador Donald Wright said as part of the Global effort to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, they were donating the Johnson and Johnson Covid-19 vaccines as part of the US pledge to provide at least 25 million of 80 million doses globally to Africa. He further said that the US was sharing these vaccines to save lives and to lead the world in bringing an end to the pandemic. Also witnessing the arrival of the consignment were representatives of UNICEF and WHO. The UNICEF Country Representative, Ms. Salini Bahuguna praised the government for efforts to ensure the vaccines arrive in the country. She said this was a huge milestone in the fight against the pandemic. Ms. Bahuguna said the vaccines have been tested with experts all over the world. She urged Tanzanians to accept them because no one is safe until everyone is safe.” WHO Representative Dr. Tigest Mengestu said they congratulate the government of Tanzania for its commitment to work closely with other partners to get vaccines. She said data shows that vaccination offers long-lasting immunity against the pandemic and having it in Tanzania strengthens people’s health. The WHO Country Representative also informed that Covid-19 is not anywhere near to finish, and the world is at a critical moment where there are 191 million confirmed cases and 4.8 million deaths occurred, Africa in itself has 4 million cases. These numbers, she said are of real people and hence the need for people to work in solidarity against the enemy.

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Press Release

27 July 2021

The Secretary General Video Message to Food Systems Pre - Summit

I am pleased to send greetings to this important meeting to prepare for the Food Systems Summit. We are at a pivotal moment. We are seriously off track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Poverty, income inequality and the high cost of food continue to keep healthy diets out of the reach of some 3 billion people. Climate change and conflict are both consequences and drivers of this catastrophe. Up to 811 million people faced hunger in 2020 – as many as 161 million more than in 2019, not least due to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic, which still assails us, has highlighted the links between inequality, poverty, food, disease and our planet. Our war against nature includes a food system that generates one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions. And the same food system is responsible for up to 80 per cent of biodiversity loss. Yet, there is hope. Since my initial call for this Summit, you have responded with energy, ideas and a willingness to forge new partnerships. At this Pre-Summit, we can define the scope of our collective ambition and strengthen our efforts to achieve all 17 SDGs by transforming our food systems. I thank you for your work so far in making this both a “People’s Summit” and a “Solutions Summit”. Your leadership will help set a tone for the Decade of Action and an equitable and sustainable recovery from COVID-19. I look forward to welcoming you to New York in September. Thank you.

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Press Release

07 July 2021

Sweden gives UN extra USD 6.4 million for development activities in Tanzania

The agreement, which was launched today by Ambassador of Sweden to Tanzania, H.E. Anders Sjöberg and Acting UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Christine Musisi, will enable the UN to take forward its work for the social and economic development of women, children and youth, promotion of inclusive economic growth and employment, and strengthening democratic governance, human rights and gender equality in Tanzania. With the latest contribution, Sweden’s overall support to the UN Tanzania under its current strategic document, the UN Development Assistance Plan II (2016-2022), is over USD 40 million. This generous support has been instrumental in enabling the UN to assist the governments on the mainland and Zanzibar at national and local levels to enhance policy and planning frameworks on a number of key developmental issues. It has also enabled the UN to support functioning of local businesses with viable and inclusive value chains generating employment, especially for women and young people, and ensuring their active and meaningful participation in the economy. In partnership with the Government, UN agencies have been working to strengthen measures for improved accountability, transparency, and gender responsiveness, including access to justice and opportunities for citizen engagement. As a result of UN’s support, women and girls on both the mainland and in Zanzibar have benefitted from increased opportunities to hold leadership positions in political and public life at national and sub-national levels. Through UN’s engagement with a range of partners in support to the five-year National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children (NPA), more women and children have access to and are better served by a national protection system that prevents and responds to all forms of violence and harmful practices. Multisectoral protection mechanisms are operational and are helping to address violence and protection needs at district, ward and village levels. Highlighting Sweden’s commitment to Tanzania’s social and economic development, Ambassador Sjöberg said that Sweden has prioritized supporting UN activities that focus on the country’s development objectives in the areas of women’s rights, democratic governance and economic growth, leaving no one behind. “For Sweden to ‘leave no one behind is both a prerequisite and a goal for inclusive sustainable development. Equality and inclusion are at the centre of our development agenda. Sweden prioritizes strengthening the rights, representation, and access to resources for women and other vulnerable groups because it is a vital component for building a growing, resilient, and democratic society,” he said. Reiterating their continued support to Tanzania and the UN, Ambassador Sjöberg also reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to the UN Secretary-General’s reforms and recognized the added value that UN agencies can bring to the table by working in a coordinated approach in close collaboration with the Government, development partners, and civil society. Speaking on behalf of the UN system in Tanzania, Acting UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Christine Musisi, thanked both the government and the people of Sweden for their sustained support. She pointed out that Sweden has been a dependable development partner for the UN and Tanzania. “Sweden has been a strong partner of Tanzania and the UN for many decades. We thank them for their support which will enable UN agencies to continue working with the Government and other stakeholders in support of achieving national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” she said. Ms. Musisi added that “This contribution will support the UN’s work across a broad range of areas such as promoting decent employment opportunities for Tanzanians, advancing good governance principles and women’s leadership in politics as well as preventing violence against women and children.” Note to Editors: Sweden’s contribution will be channelled through the Tanzania One Fund, which is a fund established for UN agencies in the country to help implement the United Nations Development Assistance Plan 2016-22 (UNDAP II). Since the launch of the UNDAP II, Sweden has contributed over USD 40 million.

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Press Release

02 July 2021

More than 100 signatories launch Compact on Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action

As part of a five-year push for Gender Equality, the Compact intends to reshape peace and security and humanitarian action processes to systematically include women and girls in the decisions that impact their lives. More than 25 years since the landmark Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing and more than 20 years after the adoption of UN Security Council resolution 1325, public rhetoric on women’s rights has not been matched by concrete action and investment. Currently, not a single country can claim to have achieved gender equality. This fact is starkly evident in the peace, security and humanitarian sectors where women are woefully underrepresented. “Since 1992, about 70 per cent of all peace processes did not include women signatories or mediators. This isn't just shameful, it's ignorant. It makes our world more dangerous,” said Samantha Power, head of the U.S. Agency for International Development, underscoring the United States’ commitment to the Compact. Additionally, half a billion women in 31 countries and territories live in protracted crises and are at increased risk of human rights violations. Research shows that humanitarian programmes targeted at women and girls are chronically underfunded. “As we continue to grapple with a global pandemic, we are seeing women-led civil society organizations, and programmes that support women peacebuilders, at risk of disappearing at the very moment they are needed most…We call on all countries to become signatories to this Compact and to demonstrate their commitment to bridging the gap between aspiration and action,” said Simon Coveney, Irish Minister of Foreign Affairs. “My government stands in solidarity with the numerous global gender champions in this call to action to do more for our women and girls globally, said Julius Maada Bio, president of Sierra Leone. “Transformative actions across [the Compact’s] thematic areas can only be achieved with sustained political will and commitment.” By joining the Compact, signatories pledge to take concrete action on existing commitments for women and girls in five key areas: increased financing for Women, Peace and Security and gender equality in humanitarian programming; meaningful participation in peace processes; economic security and access to resources; leadership and agency; protection of women’s rights in conflict and crisis. The Compact will support these actions through an improved monitoring and accountability process. It is open to governments, regional and civil society organizations, UN entities, academic institutions and the private sector. Current signatories to the Compact include Austria, Canada, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Japan, Ireland, Mexico, Namibia, Norway, Netherlands, Spain, Sierra Leone, State of Palestine, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, United States, African Union Commission Office of the Special Envoy on Women Peace and Security, ASEAN, ECCAS, OHCHR, Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, OECD, OSCE, United Nations Department of Peace Operations, UNDP, UNHCR, United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, United Nations Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund, UN Women, as well as more than 65 civil society organizations. About the Compact on Women, Peace, Security and Humanitarian Action As one of the key outcomes of the Generation Equality Forum, the Compact on Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action is an inter-generational, inclusive movement for gender equality in women, peace and security and humanitarian processes. For a full list of Compact signatories visit: www.wpshacompact.org

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Press Release

01 July 2021

Heads of State, leaders and activists take bold action to accelerate gender equality and address the consequences of Covid-19 for women and girls

FRANCE, Paris, Heads of State and Government, heads of international organizations, activists from civil society and youth-led organizations, philanthropists and CEOs of private sector companies gathered today for the opening of the Generation Equality Forum held from 30 June to 2 July in Paris. The Forum launched a Global Acceleration Plan for Gender Equality, driven by six Action Coalitions, and launched a Compact on Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action, with the aim to accelerate gender equality in the next five years and to face the growing risks to women’s rights caused by Covid-19. The Forum’s projected USD 40 billion of new investments will represent the largest-ever collective infusion of resources into global gender equality. The event marks the most significant international convening for gender equality since the 1995 Women’s Conference in Beijing. The Forum was opened by the co-hosts, President of France, Emmanuel Macron and Mexico’s President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, as well as by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and convener of the Forum, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN Women. Notable speakers at the opening event also included Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, Nobel laureate Nadia Murad, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Tunisian feminist Aya Chebbi. The ceremony was centred on the voice of civil society activists and women’s rights defenders and featured long-term advocate for gender equality and Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in an intergenerational dialogue with climate activist Julieta Martinez. The Forum showcases concrete commitments and has a sharp focus on implementation and financing for gender equality. During the opening event, major commitments were announced by the Heads of State and Government of France, the United States of America, Kenya, Argentina, Georgia, Finland, Canada, Germany, South Africa, the European Union and from international organizations and private sector. The commitments included:
USD 40 billion+ in new investments benefitting women and girls, with government commitments over the three days expected to total USD 17 billion. At the Opening Ceremony, a USD 2.1 billion commitment from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to advance women’s leadership, reproductive health, and economic empowerment was announced, alongside a USD 420 million investment from the Ford Foundation to tackle threats to women’s rights caused by COVID-19. The World Bank committed to a major investment for programmes in 12 African States to tackle gender inequalities.
The implementation of major policy reforms and programmes to advance gender equality. The President of Kenya announced a national strategy and resources to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. The Prime Minister of Canada presented the country’s commitment to invest in a care system to benefit women and girls and the President of Georgia presented her commitment to lead legislative change on the legal definition of rape. The Vice President of the United States made policy and resource commitments on gender-based violence, women’s economic security, and sexual and reproductive health and rights.
The launch of new coordination mechanisms to advance key issues for gender equality, such as a new Global Alliance on Care and an Alliance to Fund Sustainable Feminist Movements. President Macron, speaking live from Paris underscored his commitment to confronting the gender equality crisis, saying, “Through the Generation Equality Forum, France's objective is to state loud and clear that the rights of women and girls are universal, as are all human rights, everywhere, all the time. This model that France defends is not a negation of our differences. It is about reaffirming that no cultural or religious relativism, no regional or identity-based particularism, justifies that a woman cannot enjoy the same rights and the same opportunities as a man. Our method for achieving this result is concerted international action, what I have called multilateralism through action.” The French government committed USD 100 million to improve access to contraceptives and family planning. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, speaking live in Paris, welcomed the bold ambition of the Forum, saying that the Forum was a moment “to redress a global imbalance, with activists, policymakers, and leaders across all ages shaping our world into a more just and gender-equal society.” Also speaking live in Paris, Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN Women, noted: “This is a new chapter for gender equality. Those with a world view of radical impatience are converging to create big, well-resourced changes. Together we will revitalize the unfinished Beijing agenda, united by the conviction that we must take risks and do things differently.” Over the following two days of the Forum, more financial, policy and programme commitments are expected from over 1,000 diverse commitment-makers. Additional philanthropy commitments are expected from the Co-Impact Fund, CIFF, Fondation Chanel, Global Green Grants, the Women’s Funding Network, and the Open Societies Foundation. Major private sector contributors will include P&G, Unilever, PayPal and Estée Lauder. A significant number of civil society and youth led commitments will be made; for example: GirlsForClimate will commit to establish over 100 local climate hubs in Uganda; Cameroon Digital Rights Campaign will announce advocacy and policy work to end the digital divide; and the Egyptian Feminist Union will commit to work on equal rights to divorce and guardianship of children for divorced women. Additional Member States announcing commitments will include Armenia, Burkina Faso, Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, Germany Iceland, Finland, North Macedonia, Malawi, the Maldives, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mexico, Rwanda, Spain, Sweden, Tunisia, the United Kingdom and Uruguay. The Forum includes over 110 events designed to propel action on gender equality, including a youth-led stage. Sessions aligned with the Action Coalitions – the six most catalytic actions required to accelerate gender equality, including economic justice, gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health and rights, impact of the climate emergency on women and girls, need for digital and technology inclusion, and support to feminist movements and leadership – are also a key component of the event agenda, as is the Compact on Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action. The Paris Forum is expected to draw over 40,000 virtual participants. Confirmed speakers across the three-day virtual event include President of Rwanda Paul Kagame, Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Melinda French Gates, Brazilian Rapper MC Soffia and Actor and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Anne Hathaway. The Forum in Paris marks the launch of a five-year journey designed to accelerate gender equality and a turning point in the international community’s commitment towards women’s rights.

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