Empowering Women Leaders: Driving Gender Equality and Inclusive Governance in Kigoma

August 12, 2025

Women Leaders Kigoma — Women Leaders

UNDP Tanzania

Tanzania’s Development Vision (TDV) 2050 envisions a prosperous, equitable, inclusive, and self-reliant society, with human development at its core. One of its priorities is to “maximise human capability by harnessing the potential of women and the growing youth population to drive national development.”

Aligned with this vision and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), the Kigoma Joint Programme (KJP II) is advancing gender equality and inclusive governance at the local level. By equipping women leaders with transformative leadership skills, the initiative aims to strengthen their role in decision-making, foster institutional change, and accelerate development in Kigoma and beyond.

Kigoma Women leaders governance training

Victoria speaking during the empowering women leaders training

Clara Maliwa from UNDP facilitating a session

Participants of the empowering women leaders in Kigoma

A participant contributing to the session

Addressing the Leadership Gap
From 28–31 July 2025, UNDP conducted Women’s Transformative Leadership Training under KJP II in Kigoma District Council. Thirty-five women leaders from eight Local Government Authorities participated, including one District Commissioner, four District Administrative Secretaries, and 30 Heads of Departments — representing 87.5% of Kigoma’s executive women leaders.

Despite their contributions, women hold just 13% of official positions (24 out of 178 executive staff) in the Kigoma Regional Government, or 22.5% (40 individuals) when including acting roles. This underrepresentation reflects persistent challenges, from limited access to resources to cultural and societal biases that restrict women’s advancement.

Tackling Barriers, Building Confidence
The training opened with candid discussions on obstacles to women’s leadership. Participants cited lack of confidence, heavy family responsibilities, and entrenched societal norms as major barriers.
“Some positions should be encouraged to be taken by women,” said Utefta Mahega, DAS, underlining the urgency of targeted support.

Sessions were tailored to participants’ priorities, focusing on leadership skills, confidence-building, and strategies for driving transformative change in governance, economic, and social spheres.

UNDP gender specialist Clara Maliwa presenting during the meeting

Clara Maliwa, UNDP Gender Specialist

Epiphania Yabba, a participant presenting during the meeting

Epiphania Yabba, one of the participants

Inspiring Journeys
Participants shared personal stories of resilience and growth.

Epiphania Yabba recounted her rise from teacher to Head of Department for School Quality Assurance, leading a team of eight men with strategic oversight and high standards.
Clara Maliwa, UNDP Gender Specialist, shared her advocacy journey as a person with disabilities, highlighting UNDP’s commitment to equality.

“Your stories and struggles for equality have given me more strength and resilience,” reflected participant Victoria Makyao.

A Pathway to Inclusive Governance
Supported by the Governments of Ireland and Norway, the four-day programme reinforced UNDP’s commitment to advancing gender equality and inclusive governance. By empowering women leaders, the initiative is unlocking potential that will contribute to both local progress in Kigoma and Tanzania’s broader development goals.