Dar es Salaam TANZANIA:
MEMBERS of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) from African countries who met in Dar es Salaam last week have made over ten resolutions, targeting to increase the number of women in member parliaments.
Among other resolutions, their two-day meeting resolved that Parliamentary women caucuses should be drivers of change and ensure that women are part of the decision-making process in equal numbers with men including ambitious gender quotas to achieve the goal of 50-50 gender balance at all levels including elected positions.
“Women Parliamentarians should also ensure the repeal of discriminatory laws against women and girls and follow up on their implementation as a matter of urgency,” stated Ms Ayebare Margaret, an MP from Uganda who read the resolutions.
The meeting further said African Women Parliamentarians should be bold and take the lead in urging the transformation of Parliaments in Africa into more inclusive institutions by strengthening women’s voices through balanced representation in the work of Parliamentary committees and other Parliamentary networks.
“African Women Parliamentarians must double their efforts in making effective contributions in Parliament, the constituency and in the media thereby making a difference in the lives of women and girls,” Ms Margaret said.
The MPs unanimously agreed that women should work collectively in supporting one another in elective positions and other positions of authority.
The resolutions were made taking cognisance of the fact that among the 19 National Parliaments of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region only Rwanda has surpassed 50 per cent representation of women in Parliament.
Three branches (South Africa, Namibia and Mozambique) surpassing 40 per cent, while Tanzania, Cameroon and Uganda surpassed 30 per cent representation.
The composition of women MPs in the remaining 12 branches are still below the threshold of 30 per cent with Gambia and Nigeria having a composition of less than 10 per cent of women MPs.
The meeting noted with concern that discriminatory laws hold back women and girls from reaching their full potential and thereby preventing countries from achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS).
Source: allafrica.com
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Tanzania: Exim to Raise Fund for Mental Health Facilities Upgrades
EXIM Bank to raise 300m/- over the next three years for financing essential services and infrastructure upgrades in mental health facilities.
The bank’s Head of Marketing and Communications Stanley Kafu unveiled this when introducing Exim Bima Festival 2024 as a platform for bringing together individuals, organisations and various sectors for raising the funds.
“Exim’s initiative aligns with the government’s broader goals to ensure that every citizen has access to quality healthcare, including mental health services,” he said.
The initiative, which is one of the events for celebrating the bank’s 27th anniversary is scheduled for Wednesday this week in Dar es Salaam.
Mr Kafu highlights that this year’s festival is not only about raising awareness of the importance of insurance in the society but also focuses on enhancing access to mental health services and improving the overall well-being of the nation.
Statistics from the Ministry of Health shows a staggering 82 per cent increase in mental health cases over the past decade.
Mental cases have risen from 386,358 in 2012 to 2,102,726 in 2021, making the need for mental health services more urgent than ever.
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Unfortunately, the country’s ability to address this growing challenge is hindered by a shortage of mental health professionals, infrastructure, medical equipment and essential medication.
For example, out of the 28 regions in the country, only five have facilities that provide adequate mental health services.
The most affected group is the youth aged 15 to 39, who represent the nation’s workforce, underscoring the need for intensified efforts to safeguard this generation for Tanzania’s future well-being and development.
Mr Kafu said by improving mental health services, Exim aims to contribute to the creation of a network of communities that can access care quickly and affordably.
Exim Insurance Department Manager Tike Mwakyoma said they are appreciating the support from partners in the insurance industry, who have stood by them since the last festival.
“Let’s continue this unity for the development of all Tanzanians and our nation as a whole,” the manager said.
Source: allafrica.com
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