DAR ES SALAAM: VICE PRESIDENT Dr Philip Mpango has urged women in the country to spearhead leadership development initiatives aimed at nurturing the next generation of female leaders.
Speaking at the WomenLift Health Global Conference 2024 in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Dr Mpango emphasised the critical need for women to occupy top leadership positions, not only within Tanzania but also on the global stage.
“Tanzanian women should consider establishing a forum that will inspire and mentor young women to develop their leadership skills and take up top leadership posts in the country and beyond,” he said.
The conference, which convened amidst a backdrop of complex global challenges ranging from geopolitical tensions to climate crises and health pandemics, serves as a timely platform for addressing pressing issues facing women in leadership.
Dr Mpango stressed the importance of dynamic and inclusive leadership, highlighting the pivotal role women play in finding innovative solutions to these challenges, given their firsthand experiences as the most affected demographic.
Acknowledging the disparity in women’s representation in leadership roles, Dr Mpango said that only a fraction of senior and top leadership positions across various sectors are held by women.
women’s advancement, including societal norms, limited access to networks and mentors and the struggle to balance work and family responsibilities.
Despite these obstacles, he lauded Tanzania’s strides under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“Initiatives such as the increased representation of women in key government positions, efforts to enhance access to education for girls and investments in healthcare infrastructure are tangible steps towards levelling the playing field for women,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of the conference theme, ‘Reimagining Leadership: New Approaches to New Challenges,’ Dr Mpango emphasised the need for innovative strategies to address emerging global issues.
He underscored the role of women’s leadership in tackling pressing concerns such as climate change, budget constraints and technological advancements in healthcare.
Dr Mpango called for greater collaboration between global leaders, particularly from the global south, to collectively address the unique challenges faced by women in leadership roles.
He pledged Tanzania’s commitment to partnering with organisations like WomenLift Health Global to advance women’s leadership in healthcare and beyond.
WomenLift Health President, Amie Batson said they have a deep and wide global talent pool in the health field.
But, by not advancing leadership opportunities equally, it severely limits the ability to tackle the world’s most critical health challenges.
“There is also rich evidence that shows women leaders are more likely to prioritise the health needs of children, women and communities, from reproductive and maternity care, clean water and sanitation, to stronger health systems,” she said.
Minister for Health, Ummy Mwalimu noted the importance of mentorship, stating that her first appointment as Deputy Minister by former President Jakaya Kikwete women’s advancement, including societal norms, limited access to networks and mentors and the struggle to balance work and family responsibilities.
Despite these obstacles, he lauded Tanzania’s strides under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“Initiatives such as the increased representation of women in key government positions, efforts to enhance access to education for girls and investments in healthcare infrastructure are tangible steps towards levelling the playing field for women,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of the conference theme, ‘Reimagining Leadership: New Approaches to New Challenges,’ Dr Mpango emphasised the need for innovative strategies to address emerging global issues.
He underscored the role of women’s leadership in tackling pressing concerns such as climate change, budget constraints and technological advancements in healthcare.
Dr Mpango called for greater collaboration between global leaders, particularly from the global south, to collectively address the unique challenges faced by women in leadership roles.
He pledged Tanzania’s commitment to partnering with organisations like WomenLift Health Global to advance women’s leadership in healthcare and beyond.
WomenLift Health President, Amie Batson said they have a deep and wide global talent pool in the health field.
But, by not advancing leadership opportunities equally, it severely limits the ability to tackle the world’s most critical health challenges.
“There is also rich evidence that shows women leaders are more likely to prioritise the health needs of children, women and communities, from reproductive and maternity care, clean water and sanitation, to stronger health systems,” she said.
Minister for Health, Ummy Mwalimu noted the importance of mentorship, stating that her first appointment as Deputy Minister by former President Jakaya Kik – wete fuelled her determination for quality leadership.
“I would not be where I am today if the former president did not believe in me,” she said, adding that President Samia’s administration affirms the ongoing efforts in the country towards gender equality.
She added, “The health sector in the country is moving forward in all key health indicators under the leadership of our president.
Women are capable of service delivery.”
Reports indicate that women, despite comprising 90 per cent of frontline health workers and 70 per cent of the overall global health workforce, remain overlooked for senior leadership roles, forming only 25 per cent of senior roles.ete fuelled her determination for quality leadership.
“I would not be where I am today if the former president did not believe in me,” she said, adding that President Samia’s administration affirms the ongoing efforts in the country towards gender equality.
She added, “The health sector in the country is moving forward in all key health indicators under the leadership of our president. Women are capable of service delivery.”
Reports indicate that women, despite comprising 90 per cent of frontline health workers and 70 per cent of the overall global health workforce, remain overlooked for senior leadership roles, forming only 25 per cent of senior roles.
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