Interview with Our Supervisor Miriam
Conducted by Annika Klein from the Georg-Simon-Ohm University of Applied Sciences Nuremberg.
How do you assess the situation of women in Tanzania, and what specific problems are in focus?
Women continue to face disadvantages in all areas of life. The labour market discriminates against women, and widowed and single mothers, in particular, find it very difficult to make ends meet financially.
How do you evaluate the promotion of women in terms of education and employment in Tanzania?
There are good initiatives, but they are often not well developed. Education is costly, and while access to education is theoretically open to girls, many families prioritize sending their sons to school over their daughters. The image of a housewife is still strongly reinforced, especially in rural areas. Many women are unaware that there are programs supporting education and employment.
What contribution do NGOs make to promoting women?
NGOs play a very significant role in promoting women. Many of these organizations were founded by women and advocate for women’s rights, as many Tanzanian women either do not know their rights or know them only partially. NGOs also offer courses (e.g., math, English) and bring women together to develop small projects where they can express themselves. This not only strengthens their personalities but also fosters self-discovery. It can be said that NGOs account for the majority of women’s empowerment efforts in Tanzania.
How do you assess the government’s support for women in Tanzania?
Personally, I know very little about government support for women in Tanzania. When comparing the numerous NGOs and projects to government programs, I would rate the government’s efforts as less effective. If there were substantial government support, it would be more noticeable.
What specific requirements, in your opinion, are necessary for a sustainable women’s development project?
A clear and well-structured framework, access to all necessary resources, including financial ones, and well-trained and/or motivated personnel. Free development is essential, without restrictions due to state disapproval or difficulties such as annual registration fees and high bureaucratic hurdles.
How sustainable do you think women’s development projects in Tanzania are? Please provide concrete examples.
There is a women’s project near Kigoma that I came to know. It is the best and most successful project I am aware of. Two women began teaching microfinance to other women. As they did so, various ideas for self-employment emerged among the women. With substantial advisory support, this project not only enabled these women to achieve financial independence but grew to the point where they could build an educational centre for women through their own income. Here, women can, among other things, complete or catch up on their school education.
Many women’s development projects are good and have strong approaches, but they often lack further development. This may stem from a lack of knowledge, motivation among members, or funding opportunities. For example, English courses often only cover the basics because professional staff are either unavailable or only present temporarily.
How do you view the future prospects of women’s projects in Tanzania?
Depending on their structure and implementation, the prospects are good as long as the projects continue to evolve and do not stagnate.
Which aspects of sustainability in projects need improvement? Please provide an example.
Follow-up. After completing one stage, there is often no follow-up opportunity. Women are frequently left to manage on their own without the necessary continued support.
How do you evaluate the availability of women’s development projects in Tanzania? Which areas are sufficiently addressed, and which need further development?
Women’s rights are an area that needs significant expansion, as does sustainable, resource-saving, and ecological agriculture.
To what extent can women’s development projects influence Tanzania’s sustainable development? Please provide concrete examples.
Women’s development projects can have a substantial impact. Many single or widowed mothers face great difficulties in earning a livelihood or finding their way, as they were often housewives. They are frequently met with numerous obstacles. Without development projects, they typically have no access to education, as it is costly in Tanzania. These projects provide not only psychosocial support but also show women ways to create better futures, such as learning how to run their own businesses.
How do you view the future prospects of women’s projects in Tanzania?
Depending on their structure and implementation, the prospects are good as long as the projects continue to evolve and do not stagnate.
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