AS Tanzania prepares for the upcoming local government elections on November 27, activists and stakeholders are calling for more civic education, particularly targeting marginalised groups such as youth, women and people with disabilities.
They argue that it is critical for these groups to fully understand the importance of participating in the electoral process to foster inclusivity and ensure that their voices are heard in political decision-making.
The local government elections will serve as a precursor to the country’s general election in 2025.
In an interview with Daily News, General Secretary for Vijana Connect Tanzania, Mr Soba Sanganya, stressed the need for increased educational efforts aimed at encouraging youth participation in political processes.
He pointed out that harbour negative perceptions about democratic processes, leading to low voter turnout and minimal engagement in political affairs.
“Youth participation in political matters remains alarmingly low, not because of a lack of awareness campaigns, but due to negative attitudes and perceptions about politics.
Many young people see politics as a waste of time, which significantly affects their engagement. This is why civic education, specifically targeting youth, is crucial,” Mr Sanganya said.
Mr Sanganya underscored the importance of enlightening young people about the significance of their votes and how their involvement in choosing leaders could directly impact their future and the development of their communities.
On the issue of women’s participation, Ms Victoria Melami, Managing Director of Timiza Ndoto Initiative, a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering women and girls in leadership, technology and economic development, noted that progress has been made in encouraging women to participate in politics.
“To some extent, we are seeing more women becoming motivated to participate in politics. Women are now more empowered to engage in elections, both as voters and candidates,” Ms Melami explained.
“Despite ongoing efforts, the biggest challenges remain a lack of education and entrenched societal attitudes that discourage women from getting involved in politics.
Additionally, the lack of financial resources for campaigns continues to be a major obstacle for women aspiring to run for leadership positions,” she said.
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Ms Aneth Diarana, a representative from FUWAVITA, an organisation that supports women with disabilities through leadership and economic empowerment programmes, called for intensified efforts to raise awareness of electoral rights for people with disabilities.
She emphasised that many people with disabilities lack the necessary education and support to fully understand their rights and how to participate in elections and political processes.
However, Ms Diarana highlighted the need for the government to invest in improving voting infrastructure and services to make polling stations more accessible for people with disabilities.
“The government and election stakeholders must ensure that polling stations are equipped with the necessary support services and infrastructure to accommodate people with disabilities,” she said.
Ms Mary Kiria, a youth representative from the Ladies of Value NGO, called on political parties to provide more opportunities for youth and women who are interested in participating in elections and political leadership.
She criticised political parties for primarily using young people and women for campaigns, without giving them a genuine chance to compete for leadership positions.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) continues its efforts to register voters and update information in the Permanent Voters’ Register (PVR) ahead of the elections.
The Commission is also working in collaboration with civil society organisations to provide voter education as part of an ongoing campaign to encourage citizens to exercise their constitutional right to vote.
Source: allafrica.com
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Tanzania: Samia Hands Over NBC’s 354m/ – Crop Insurance Compensation to Farmers Affected By Hailstorms
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has handed over a cheque of 354m/- from the National Bank of Commerce (NBC) as compensation to tobacco farmers, who were affected by hailstorms during the previous farming season in various regions across the country.
Handing over the cheque in Dodoma, the compensation is part of the crop insurance service provided by NBC in collaboration with the National Insurance Corporation (NIC).
Furthermore, President Samia has also handed over health insurance coverage to members of the Lindi Mwambao Cooperative Union based in Lindi Region, through the Farmers’ Health Insurance service provided by the bank in partnership with Assurance Insurance Company.
While visiting the bank’s pavilion at the Nanenane Agricultural Exhibition and being received and briefed by the bank’s Managing Director, Mr. Theobald Sabi, she said: “This crop insurance is one of the crucial solutions in ensuring farmers have a reliable income, without fear of challenges such as natural disasters, including hailstorms.
“I call upon all farmers in the country to make the best use of this important opportunity by accessing these kinds of insurance services. I also highly commend NBC and all the stakeholders participating in this programme.”
Elaborating further on the crop insurance service, the Minister of Agriculture, Hussein Bashe, stated that it will help to recover the loss farmers incurred, especially in various calamities beyond their control.
Citing them as floods, fires, and hailstorms, which have significantly affected the well-being of farmers and caused some to be reluctant to invest in the crucial sector, Mr Bashe added: “However, our President, this step by NBC is just the beginning, as this is the second year since they started offering this service, and the results are already visible.
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“As the government, we promise to continue supporting the wider implementation of this service, with the goal of ensuring that this crop insurance service reaches more farmers.”
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On his part, Mr Sabi said that the farmers who benefited from the compensations are from 23 primary cooperative unions in the regions of Shinyanga, Geita, Tabora, Mbeya, Katavi, and Kigoma.
He added: “In addition to these insurance services, as a bank, through this exhibition, we have continued with our programme of providing financial education and various banking opportunities to farmers, alongside offering them various loans, including loans for agricultural equipment, particularly tractors, to eligible farmers.:
At the NBC booth, President Samia also had the opportunity to be briefed on the various services offered by the bank to the farmers namely crop insurance and health insurance services.
There, the President had the chance to speak with some of the beneficiaries of the services, including the Vice-Chairman of the Lindi Mwambao Primary Cooperative Union, Mr. Hassan Mnumbe, whose union has been provided with a health insurance card from the bank.
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