Tanzania’s Vice President, Dr. Philip Mpango, has called on citizens to take a stand against the increasing violence targeting women and children, urging strict action against perpetrators.
Speaking at the Western Zone International Women's Day Symposium in Kigoma, he condemned acts such as murder, rape, sodomy, physical assault, harassment, denial of property rights, inheritance discrimination, lack of access to education, female genital mutilation, and excessive punishments for minors.
He pointed out that many of these crimes are committed by family members or close relatives, yet they often go unreported.
"Too many cases remain hidden within families. We must break the silence and take action to protect our women and children," he emphasized, calling for community involvement in addressing these injustices.
Dr. Mpango also highlighted the need to protect boys, warning that neglect in raising them has led to rising cases of drug abuse, homosexuality, and involvement in violence.
He urged parents and guardians to invest time and effort in shaping boys into responsible citizens, noting that their well-being is just as important as that of girls.
"A little guidance and support for boys can prevent them from falling into destructive lifestyles," he stressed.
On environmental conservation, Dr. Mpango called on women to take a leading role in promoting clean energy and sustainable practices.
He urged for stronger public education and awareness programs, stating that human activities are a major contributor to environmental degradation.
He encouraged institutions such as SIDO and TEMDO to research and develop affordable clean energy technologies, making it easier for Tanzanians to transition to cleaner cooking methods.
Additionally, he appealed to businesses and the private sector to support schools, orphanages, and special-needs centers by providing energy-efficient stoves and other clean energy solutions.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to clean energy, the Vice President announced that Tanzania is implementing the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy (2024–2034), which aims to ensure that 80% of Tanzanians use clean cooking energy by 2034.
To support this initiative, the government has secured an TZS 8.64 billion subsidy, enabling the distribution of 452,455 subsidized stoves to help make clean energy more accessible and affordable for households.
Dr. Mpango also urged women to actively participate in elections, encouraging them to register to vote, run for leadership positions, and elect leaders who support their interests.
"Every citizen has a role in building a peaceful and united nation. We must ensure that elections are conducted in an orderly and democratic manner," he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Mwanaidi Ali Khamis emphasized that the symposium aimed to empower women to engage in environmental conservation, clean energy adoption, and family strengthening for a better future.
The Western Zone Women’s Symposium is part of the International Women’s Day celebrations, which will conclude on March 8, 2025, in Arusha, under the theme: "Women’s Contribution and Participation in Clean Energy Use and Environmental Conservation."