Tanzania Episcopal Conference Promotes Empowerment of Women in Africa

In a move to advance the empowerment of women in Africa, the secretary general of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), Fr. Charles Kitima, has taken a stand to promote gender equality and women's rights. At a workshop organized by the World Union of Catholic Women's Organisations (WUCWO) in Tanzania from July 3-6, Fr. Charles emphasized the transformative power of empowered African women.

Fr. Charles delivered a powerful message, stating, "A well-empowered African woman has the power to change and give the world a new light." He emphasized that when African women are empowered, they become global examples of strength and dignity, embodying the essence of motherhood and reflecting God's intentions.

Highlighting the role of mothers as key actors in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Fr. Charles emphasized the importance of empowering women through the combined efforts of the church and the government. He emphasized that by empowering African mothers, they can play a significant role in creating a world that reflects the image of God.

During the workshop, Dorothy Gwajimba, Tanzania's Minister of Community Development, Gender, and Special Groups, addressed the Catholic Women Associations from across Africa. She called upon Tanzanian Catholic women to utilize their talents to tackle social issues and contribute to the well-being of society.

Minister Dorothy urged the Catholic Women of Tanzania Association to actively engage in family matters, child protection, and the nurturing of youth, leveraging their unique gifts as women and parents. She further encouraged them to address issues of sexual violence affecting both men and women, and to support vulnerable groups such as the elderly, prisoners, and orphans. Minister Dorothy assured the government's willingness to support the endeavors of Catholic women and listen to their concerns.

This collaborative effort between the Tanzania Episcopal Conference and the government demonstrates a significant step toward promoting the empowerment of women in Africa. By recognizing the potential and unique contributions of African women, the goal is to create a more inclusive and equitable society that values the dignity and rights of all individuals, irrespective of gender.

As the empowerment of women gains momentum, it is hoped that these initiatives will inspire other nations and organizations to follow suit, ultimately leading to a more just and equal world for all.