A sprinkling of clapping, some cheering, and a few sounds of discontent were heard. Primarily, though, there was an uncomfortably awkward hush among the rest of us. This is typical behavior for Tanzanians when they disagree with a speaker; we simply remain silent. As ours is an oral tradition, public speaking usually involves call-and-response dynamics. In this setting, silence certainly doesn’t indicate agreement.
Let's discuss this topic.
A room full of women represents a miniature version of Tanzania, only more astute. Our meeting included a representative spectrum of viewpoints spanning from religious beliefs to political affiliations and opinions on marriage and various other topics.
At the gathering, several individuals chose not to rise during prayers, others declined to echo the CCM slogan "Kazi Iendelee." Some advocated against addressing women as "Mama" before listing their official designations, raising pointed queries directed at senior members. These actions challenged the notion of uniform group thinking. Naturally, opposition arose when instructed on whom to support in elections, regardless of the source giving such directives.
I publicly stated on The Chanzo that I encourage women specifically and progressives generally to support the current officeholder due to her gender. And I stand by this stance: throughout my lifetime, I've often heard the assertion "men make better leaders," despite the lack of evidence backing up this statement.
It could take thousands of years for women to be in power long enough to start examining this hypothesis with data; we may as well initiate this process now. With discipline, perhaps people living in 4000 CE will see the outcomes of our experiment.
By then, the question should ideally become irrelevant since we will have moved past the absurdity that sparked it anyway.
In Tanzania’s more than six decades, women have held significant roles including those of President, Defense Minister, Finance Minister, and Foreign Minister. When we also see them in the role of Home Affairs, I can begin compiling a new list—one that reflects genuine involvement, true citizenship, and comprehensive rights. A list where we elect women to Parliament with a quota ranging from a minimum of 33 percent to a maximum of 75 percent based on our autonomous choice.
Last year, I had just one choice on the 2025 ballot that aligned with my feminist 'guerilla' approach. But this year? There are two options. Yes, you heard correctly—two candidates. Back in 2015, ACT-Wazalendo supported the late Anna Mghirwa’s presidential run; now, they’re backing Dorothy Semu for 2025. It took me ten years to see an improvement over having merely one woman at the helm—a situation made sweeter by seeing even more women taking charge.
Sasa, if you decide to stay seated and show your dissent with silence, I can accept that. The main idea is to support a variety of viewpoints on significant matters, such as the role of women in politics, independent of their party affiliation, ideological beliefs, or personal charisma.
By suggesting that one gender be entirely ignored at the ballot in favour of the other I have provoked a few of you to a rage that you might have to examine. I hope you have the tools for it.
Wishing you a joyful Women’s Month, and thank you!
Elsie Eyakuze serves as an independent consultant and writer for The Mikocheni Report. This content was provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).
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