Tanzania has been trying to come to terms with its dismal election performance in respect to the quantity of women elected to decision making positions particularly to elected bodies like parliament either through direct elections at the constituency level or via appointments to special seats. Currently, to ensure a minimum representation of women in key structures women are guaranteed 30% representation from the village level to the national level. Currently, there were efforts to raise this number to 40% in an effort to attain 50% parity as specified in the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa (SDGEA) and the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Declaration on Gender and Development.
All indications are that the female representation in Parliament will not be as high as in the last parliament where Tanzania barely made the 30% mark. Perhaps to make some amends at this situation Tanzania, the ruling party backed the first female speaker in the Tanzania parliament. Madame Anna Makinda is not new to the position as such considering that she was Deputy Speaker during the last parliament from 2005-2010. Besides Madame Makinda has a long history of political engagement and leadership serving in various ministries, as Regional Commissioner and more recently as a parliamentarian.
While many do not doubt her suitability for the position a few concerns have been raised about the motivation behind her nomination and eventual selection. Ultimately, this will decide whether her election is a service to women and their quest for leadership or a disservice to the struggle for gender equality. Indeed on going feuds within the ruling party have denied the incumbent speaker, Mr. Samuel Sitta from successfully defending his seat. It should be noted that this is the first time in Tanzania’s history that an incumbent is dethroned before retiring voluntarily. To add insult to injury Mr. Sitta was defeated by a woman who previously served as his deputy. While this is a victory of sorts for Tanzania’s maturing democracy, its motivations are more sinister.
Many suspect that Mr. Sitta’s style of exposing grand corruption and emphasizing the primary role of parliament as a body tasked with demanding accountability from governmental entities and public figures and not just rubber stamping executive wishes. Under Mr. Sitta Parliament underwent a revolution of sorts where all was subject to public scrutiny. In many ways, public officials were brought to their knees for excesses committed while in office, the impetus for greater public accountability not coming just from the opposition but also from back benchers of the ruling party. Probably the public humiliation some powerful political figures faced under his leadership did not make him many political friends. On various occasions while he was till in office Mr. Sitta was threatened to be put at his place for causing havoc in the political carriers of powerful political figures in the ruling party breaking tradition with the mwenzetu syndrome (he is one of ours) which plagued the political and governance culture.
Where does this leave the women? Was electing a female speaker a safer bet? Would electing a woman at this powerful position ensure sustaining a patriarchal political culture where towing the party line is paramount or is it meant to thwart the possibility of electing another principled leader who turns the legislative pillar to renegade chieftaincy? Already Madame Speaker has not made it a secret that she plans to govern the parliamentary floor by the book. It is not clear what this means but speculation is ripe that any opposition either from the real opposition or within the ruling party would be subdued to bring order and harmony back to parliament.
Putting aside all conjecture, the fact remains that Tanzania has a female speaker. This woman did not come to where she is by chance but has merited her rise and achievements through hard work and dedication to what ever task or challenge meted out to her. In many ways she epitomizes the rise of other equally pioneering women leaders who rose up the ranks not just because they were loyal party stalwarts but also because they served when it mattered, took risks and accepted whatever challenge thrust their way.
United Nations (UN) Secretary-General of the Fourth World Conference on Women, Gertrude Mongella is also a woman with deep political roots in the ruling party and country. She was also the first president of the Pan-African Parliament serving for 2 terms. In 1985 Mongella became Vice-Chairperson to the World Conference to Review and Appraise the Achievements of the UN Decade for Women which may have singled her out for the Beijing appointment. Madame Mongella’s leadership began at the university where she challenged a rule that barred pregnant women from attending classes. She is also believed to have challenged an underground political wall literature at the university Mzee Punch for its sexist bent and rules by breaking those rules. Madame Mongella was not elected by her constituency to Parliament in the 2010 elections.
Another notable female figure graces this year’s parliament. This is Anna Kajumulo Tibaijuka the recently retired Executive Director if the UN Habitat. Until Asha Rose Migiro’s entry into the UN she was one of the highest placed women in the UN. Many activists in Tanzania know Anna Tibaijuka for being at the forefront of organizing women at the eve of multi party democracy a move that earned her the scorn of the ruling party and the deregistration of her organization Baraza la Wanawake Tanzania (BAWATA) intended to bring together women from all political persuasions together around their common interests. She would challenge her deregistration in the courts and after a protracted legal process that saw her move to new personal and professional heights she won her case.
With a background in agriculture, Anna Tibaijuka was an ardent campaigner for women’s land rights. She was involved in advocacy initiatives towards a more popular land policy that recognized the rights of the disposed. It is perhaps for this reason she was chosen to head the UN Habitat. In may respects she is a pioneer as have been other women of note before her and those who will come after her. I will explore in some detail some of these female pioneers in future articles.
What needs to be emphasized at this juncture is the inevitable challenge women in leadership, especially those who attain positions of power face. The question that is on everyone’s lips is what are the prospects for womankind when one of their own is at the helm? Judging from experiences elsewhere women in power have not always been pro-women, pro-poor or pro human development. In Tanzania the activism of prominent women leaders is noticeably mellower as they join the leadership ranks. Some think that their eagerness to fit in may make them complicit in safeguarding the status quo disappointing those calling for transformative feminist leadership.
All indications are that the female representation in Parliament will not be as high as in the last parliament where Tanzania barely made the 30% mark. Perhaps to make some amends at this situation Tanzania, the ruling party backed the first female speaker in the Tanzania parliament. Madame Anna Makinda is not new to the position as such considering that she was Deputy Speaker during the last parliament from 2005-2010. Besides Madame Makinda has a long history of political engagement and leadership serving in various ministries, as Regional Commissioner and more recently as a parliamentarian.
While many do not doubt her suitability for the position a few concerns have been raised about the motivation behind her nomination and eventual selection. Ultimately, this will decide whether her election is a service to women and their quest for leadership or a disservice to the struggle for gender equality. Indeed on going feuds within the ruling party have denied the incumbent speaker, Mr. Samuel Sitta from successfully defending his seat. It should be noted that this is the first time in Tanzania’s history that an incumbent is dethroned before retiring voluntarily. To add insult to injury Mr. Sitta was defeated by a woman who previously served as his deputy. While this is a victory of sorts for Tanzania’s maturing democracy, its motivations are more sinister.
Many suspect that Mr. Sitta’s style of exposing grand corruption and emphasizing the primary role of parliament as a body tasked with demanding accountability from governmental entities and public figures and not just rubber stamping executive wishes. Under Mr. Sitta Parliament underwent a revolution of sorts where all was subject to public scrutiny. In many ways, public officials were brought to their knees for excesses committed while in office, the impetus for greater public accountability not coming just from the opposition but also from back benchers of the ruling party. Probably the public humiliation some powerful political figures faced under his leadership did not make him many political friends. On various occasions while he was till in office Mr. Sitta was threatened to be put at his place for causing havoc in the political carriers of powerful political figures in the ruling party breaking tradition with the mwenzetu syndrome (he is one of ours) which plagued the political and governance culture.
Where does this leave the women? Was electing a female speaker a safer bet? Would electing a woman at this powerful position ensure sustaining a patriarchal political culture where towing the party line is paramount or is it meant to thwart the possibility of electing another principled leader who turns the legislative pillar to renegade chieftaincy? Already Madame Speaker has not made it a secret that she plans to govern the parliamentary floor by the book. It is not clear what this means but speculation is ripe that any opposition either from the real opposition or within the ruling party would be subdued to bring order and harmony back to parliament.
Putting aside all conjecture, the fact remains that Tanzania has a female speaker. This woman did not come to where she is by chance but has merited her rise and achievements through hard work and dedication to what ever task or challenge meted out to her. In many ways she epitomizes the rise of other equally pioneering women leaders who rose up the ranks not just because they were loyal party stalwarts but also because they served when it mattered, took risks and accepted whatever challenge thrust their way.
United Nations (UN) Secretary-General of the Fourth World Conference on Women, Gertrude Mongella is also a woman with deep political roots in the ruling party and country. She was also the first president of the Pan-African Parliament serving for 2 terms. In 1985 Mongella became Vice-Chairperson to the World Conference to Review and Appraise the Achievements of the UN Decade for Women which may have singled her out for the Beijing appointment. Madame Mongella’s leadership began at the university where she challenged a rule that barred pregnant women from attending classes. She is also believed to have challenged an underground political wall literature at the university Mzee Punch for its sexist bent and rules by breaking those rules. Madame Mongella was not elected by her constituency to Parliament in the 2010 elections.
Another notable female figure graces this year’s parliament. This is Anna Kajumulo Tibaijuka the recently retired Executive Director if the UN Habitat. Until Asha Rose Migiro’s entry into the UN she was one of the highest placed women in the UN. Many activists in Tanzania know Anna Tibaijuka for being at the forefront of organizing women at the eve of multi party democracy a move that earned her the scorn of the ruling party and the deregistration of her organization Baraza la Wanawake Tanzania (BAWATA) intended to bring together women from all political persuasions together around their common interests. She would challenge her deregistration in the courts and after a protracted legal process that saw her move to new personal and professional heights she won her case.
With a background in agriculture, Anna Tibaijuka was an ardent campaigner for women’s land rights. She was involved in advocacy initiatives towards a more popular land policy that recognized the rights of the disposed. It is perhaps for this reason she was chosen to head the UN Habitat. In may respects she is a pioneer as have been other women of note before her and those who will come after her. I will explore in some detail some of these female pioneers in future articles.
What needs to be emphasized at this juncture is the inevitable challenge women in leadership, especially those who attain positions of power face. The question that is on everyone’s lips is what are the prospects for womankind when one of their own is at the helm? Judging from experiences elsewhere women in power have not always been pro-women, pro-poor or pro human development. In Tanzania the activism of prominent women leaders is noticeably mellower as they join the leadership ranks. Some think that their eagerness to fit in may make them complicit in safeguarding the status quo disappointing those calling for transformative feminist leadership.
Whether the house speaker is male, female or transsexual(genderbender) we do not care, what matter is getting someone powerful who can do his/her job without fear of anybody or affiliation with any political part, some one who will put country interest first.
ReplyDeleteHonorable Sitta during his tenure in the office has done a lot than any other previous speaker,for CCM not nominating his name is an insult and demoralising for hard working leadera who are in front line fighting "ufisadi".
If CCM wanted a women to be a speaker, they could have nominated Ms. Makinda and her companion, but honourable. Sitta name should also be included among the candidate, and let all the MP to decide, otherwise the motive behind look very sceptical.
Whose interests?
ReplyDeleteHIVI MLIKUWA MNASEMA NINI VILE? NI MAONI AU PAPER YA KUPUBLISH KWENYE ACADEMIC JOURNAL YENYE MATHEORIES KIBAO?
ReplyDeleteHIVI HUWA HAMUWEZAGI KUANDIKA KWA KISWAHILI NA KWA KIFUPI ILI TUWAELEWE MNATAKA KUSEMA NINI?
MICHOSHO TU!
Mr Author, Chakubanga & others!
ReplyDeleteI have high regard for the women of Tanzania, not the least, the ones mentioned in the piece. What I'd question is the justification that 'We needed a woman, this time around.' I thought we were headed toward equality, thus we need not specifically go for that categorization, much as it is the ultimate goal!
BUT with due respect to your opinions, what CCM decided is what CCM wanted. If you are a member, then you know where to vent your displeasure. Otherwise if you are from the other camp, kindly wait for your turn (if it ever comes).
Sisi tumezoe kujipamba kwa vitu vya kawaida, sijui siku takiwa na raisi mwanamke tutamuita mtoto wa nani, mvuvi? seremala? mkaanga chips? mkulima haiwezekani kwani Pinda anayo japo sina uhakika hao viongozi wa juu akina Nyerere, Sokoine, Malecela na wengineo baba zao walkuwa ni wafanyabiashara? Anyway watanzania tunapenda kupambana kwa vilemba vya ukoka na ukiwa mwepesi utaona umesifiwa lakini ukiwa sugu utauliza mbona watanzania wengi ni watoto wa wakulima?
ReplyDeleteThis is a nice piece. A bit of a rigourus academic thinking behind it.
ReplyDeleteNdugu mwandishi uliyejificha,
ReplyDeleteKama Watanzania tuna amini kwamba binadamu wote ni NDUGU na wana HAKI SAWA ya kuchangia ktk KAZI halali na kuvuna matunda ya rasilimali ya ardhi na utaifa wetu.
Najikumbusha kuwa kama taifa tunatambua tofauti za jinsia zetu na tunaheshimu na kutetea mema yatokanayo na mlinganyo huo. Tangu uhuru wetu mchango wa mwanamke Mtanzania umekua ni mkubwa na mhimili ktk jamii kuanzia vijijini hadi mijini na shambani,nyumbani hadi ofisini.
Tusisahau wala kubeza uwezo mkubwa wa mwanamke wa kulea mtoto huku analima shamba, kuteka maji huku anasanya kuni,kupika wakati anasafisha nyumba.Wakati mwingine haya yanafanyika akiwa na baraka za ujauzito.(compound homesteadship).
Mwandishi amewakumbuka wanawake wachache wa mfano;Balozi Tibaijuka(MB), Naibu Katibu Mkuu UN Mhe. A. Migiro, Balozi Mongela, Mhe. Anna Abdalla. Jisikie faraja kuwataja Balozi Mwanaidi Maajar(US), Balozi S. Sijaona(Jpn),Balozi Taj(Fr), Mhe. Anne Killango(MB), Prof P. Mlama, Mhe. Meghji(MB), Mch. Rwakatare, ukiwaongeza chipukizi Halima Mdee(MB), Martha Mlata(MB),bila kuwasahau nyota za hekima na malezi bora Mama Maria Nyerere,Mama Sokoine,Mama A. Karume, mwalimu Mama Kikwete na wale wanaopumzika kwa amani Bibi Titi Mohamed,Mama Sophia Kawawa na wengine wengi. Hii ni kukusaidia uondoe HISIA potofu na ujifunze kuwa mwanamke ANAWEZA bila mizengwe.
Mapendekezo yako,niyaonavyo,japo yana kumbukumbu nzuri sana ya kihistoria lakini yamejaa hisia na uwakilishi wa HOJA wenye uchonganishi kwa mtaguso wa kijinsia,ukosefu wa mtiririko wa mawazo na udhaifu wa upembuzi yakinifu.
Nakukumbusha unipe hata dokezo juu ya maswali yafuatayo;Je, Katiba ya Tanzania ina mbagua mwanamke kushiriki miradi ya kidemokrasia hususan kuomba kuchaguliwa ktk nafasi ya uongozi toka shina hadi taifa?
Je, Katiba ya Tanzania ina miongozo yeyote inayoelekeza kuwa Mwanamke kiongozi atapendelewa na kupewa msamaha iwapo atakabiliwa na makosa ya Jinai na au makosa mengine ya uhujumu uchumi tofauti na mwanamme?
Je,Uwezo na ufanisi wa KAZI vimeandikwa ktk Paji la USO wa mtu yeyote?
Je,kuna ushahidi wowote uliosajiliwa kuwa mwanamke Mtanzania amewahi kupewa majukumu na kushindwa kuyatekeleza kwa kiwango cha ufanisi unaotakiwa tofauti na mwanamme mbadala?
Nimejifunza kuwa mwandishi una dhihaka,utani na kebehi kwa mwanamke Mtanzania. CCM inapigania kwa makusudi kumwezesha,kumtetea na kumwendeleza MWANAMKE Mtanzania.
Kwa kuwa nina hamu ya kuanza kushiriki mjadala huu, ningependa mwandishi aonyeshe kuiamini dhana ya uanamme kwa yeye KUJITAMBULISHA kama utamaduni mzuri wa uwakilishi wa mada ulivyo.
Michuzi ana roho njema maana amekuamini.
MAINA ANG'IELA OWINO.
CCM UK