A meeting of stakeholders for the National Committee on the Joint Program to Empower Girls and Young Women through Education was held at the Protea Courtyard Hotel in Dar es Salaam, organized by the Tanzanian government and UN agencies with KOICA funding. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
Amid growing discussions on the role of women in decision-making, Dr. Anne Marie Semakafu, The Tanzania Women Cross-Party Platform (T-WCP/ULINGO) national Coordinator revealed a sobering truth: while women have the desire to participate in politics, the hostility and lack of peace in the political arena remain significant barriers to maintaining democracy.
"Look at me," Dr. Semakafu shared in a recent interview with UTV in Dar es Salaam on September 20, 2024. "I juggle numerous responsibilities at home, caring for the sick and supporting many dependents. It becomes challenging to stay motivated when I wish to participate in politics but face obstacles that disrupt my peace. If politics were a realm where women could engage freely and peacefully, they would undoubtedly step forward."
Political analyst Deus Kibamba agrees. He points out that Tanzania’s broken systems fail to provide equal gender opportunities, particularly in politics. Kibamba, a lecturer at the Centre for Foreign Relations, emphasized how the Registrar of Political Parties claims to promote democracy, but in practice, it stifles political freedom.
As a solution to the harassment women face and the structural barriers preventing their full participation, Kibamba proposed the introduction of independent candidacy. By allowing candidates to stand for office without having to align with a political party, women would have a direct and less intimidating path into the political arena, free from internal party politics and machinations that often discourage their involvement.
However, the push for independent candidacy is consistently thwarted by the very same office that claims to champion democracy. The Registrar of Political Parties has continually resisted efforts to introduce this reform, citing concerns over party loyalty and national cohesion.
Yet, in practice, this resistance only serves to maintain the status quo, where participation is controlled and restricted, leaving women and many other potential candidates with few options to break into the political landscape. The lack of independent candidacy continues to limit avenues for meaningful political participation, perpetuating a system where freedom is promised but rarely delivered.
“Politics in this country make women afraid to participate,” Kibamba noted. “Meetings run late into the night. How can a woman, who is also expected to cook for her husband and look after her family, muster the energy to attend? Some even feel pressured to resort to superstitions just to compete. This fear keeps women from taking part."
Kibamba also expressed disappointment at how Tanzania has regressed in its political approach. "Once upon a time, we had national representatives like Anne Makinda, the former Speaker of Parliament, who rose to prominence as a young MP. We used to have youth representation. We’ve erased all of this, and now, even Uganda, despite its long-serving president, has a more democratic grassroots system than we do."
Women’s political participation also faces economic barriers. Dr. Semakafu explained that the economy plays a significant role in limiting women's involvement in politics. Historically, men have dominated economic resources, making it difficult for women to build the financial base necessary for political campaigns.
"Our special seats system is chaotic. First, a woman has to be in a political party, and even then, her seat depends on the percentage of parliamentary seats her party holds, a convoluted process full of political intrigue. I suggest that special seats should remain, but women should be elected directly by popular vote, without party percentages determining their access."
Leaders, guests from within and outside the country, and members of the Tanzania Women's Association (UWT) attended the 10th meeting of the association on November 28, 2022, at the Jakaya Kikwete Conference Hall in Dodoma. Photo: Courtesy
Kibamba chimed in, adding that Tanzania’s democracy presents further challenges for women, especially when they try to compete for parliamentary seats against incumbent ministers. "In this scenario, even voters are surprised. They ask, 'How will she manage? What strength does she have?'"
Political analysts have also observed that the overall lack of public participation in democratic processes weakens political accountability and impedes national progress. These experts call on the government and various stakeholders to educate the public about the importance of civic engagement to strengthen democratic foundations.
Buberwa Kaiza, a political analyst from Dar es Salaam, noted that due to a lack of public awareness about democratic processes, Tanzanians have been reluctant to directly engage in governance. "Citizens still listen more to leaders than leaders do to citizens. Many people don’t see themselves as the true authority in the country; they think leaders hold the power."
This reluctance to engage fully in democratic processes reduces accountability, leads to the erosion of civil rights, and undermines key democratic principles—issues that harm both societal development and national economic growth.
Professor Xavery Lwaitama, a retired academic from the University of Dar es Salaam, proposed that real political accountability requires electing decision-makers from within the community. "For true self-governance, all decision-makers must come from the communities they serve. Only then can citizens question and remove leaders when necessary, expanding the democratic space."
Veteran journalist Jenerali Ulimwengu from Dar es Salaam echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for civic education. "Those with greater awareness, who have opened their eyes earlier, must continue educating and awakening the majority who are still in the dark about democracy. They need to understand that democracy is more than just building roads and dams."
Kaiza concluded by urging political parties to fulfill their responsibility to promote democracy. He called on opposition parties to focus on policies that benefit the public rather than spending too much time clashing with the ruling party, as this distraction takes away from their fundamental role in strengthening democracy.