Women’s Empowerment in Tanzania: A Shift in Leadership Development.

The Nduli Group from Mkuranga District has been empowered with a baking oven by TaTEDO SESO through the ISU-CHAVPRO project.

For many years, women in Tanzanian society were marginalized, denied the right to own land, lead communities, or have a voice in key decision-making processes. However, this situation has changed significantly in recent years. Today, women are at the center of development across all sectors.

The government of Tanzania has opened doors for women to hold leadership positions at various levels, recognizing their potential to lead the nation. A historic example of this progress is the presidency of Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania’s first female president. Her leadership has inspired countless women to step forward and actively shape the nation’s future.

Women’s Role in the Energy Sector

The energy sector is one critical area where women’s leadership and participation are gaining attention. Through government initiatives and development programs, women are now promoting clean cooking energy, which plays a key role in protecting the environment and saving lives, particularly for women themselves.

“Statistics show that more than 60% of meals prepared at home are cooked by women, who often rely on firewood and charcoal. The time spent gathering these fuels and preparing meals can add up to 14 hours a day, leaving little time for economic activities or education”, Mary Swai Programme Manager from TaTEDO-SESO.

Sustainable Energy Solutions for Women in Pwani.

In the Pwani Region, women have developed innovative solutions to overcome these challenges and improve their economic well-being through the support of the Sustainable Energy Services Organization (TaTEDO-SESO), which has with over 30 years of experience. TaTEDO-SESO is implementing the Integrated Sustainable Charcoal Value Chain Promotion Project (ISU-CHAVPRO) alongside other projects focused on sustainable energy, environmental conservation, and forest preservation. ISU-CHAVPRO is a three-year project implemented in Rufiji, Kibiti, Mkuranga, Kisarawe, and Bagamoyo Districts of the Pwani Region.

As part of this initiative, women have organized themselves into economic groups engaged in various income-generating activities, including modern beekeeping, baking, food processing, and charcoal briquette production. These groups received support from ISU-CHAVPRO, which is implemented by TaTEDO-SESO in collaboration with the Tanzania Natural Resource Forum (TNRF), with funding from the European Union (EU) and oversight from the Ministry of Finance of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Tools, Training, and Economic Opportunities.

The project has equipped these women groups with essential knowledge and tools, such as charcoal briquette machines, energy-efficient baking stoves, modern beehives, and solar drying technology. Additionally, women receive specialized training in baking, beekeeping, food processing, and charcoal briquette production. Women are the majority leaders and managers of these groups, demonstrating their growing role in community development and climate action.

This project has not only contributed to saving lives by reducing women’s exposure to harmful smoke but has also created economic opportunities that allow women to thrive. By switching to alternative charcoal, women are protecting Tanzania’s forests, improving household air quality, and building a sustainable source of income.

The Power of Women’s Empowerment

Through empowerment and education, these women are proving that when women are empowered, they can drive both economic development and environmental conservation. Their success is a clear testament to the belief that “Empowered women can transform communities.”