By Najjat Omar
Tanzania and Zanzibar are preparing for general elections due to take place in 2025, where people will have the chance to vote for councillors, members of parliament, members of the House of Representatives (Zanzibar), and presidents.
Women are unfairly represented in political and democratic leadership in Zanzibar, representing only 38 per cent of the House of Representatives, according to the circular that the three organisations issued.
Only eight women, equivalent to 16 per cent, entered the House of Representatives by winning in their constituencies, while 40 per cent of female legislators entered the House via the legislative quota of 40 per cent.
Women comprise 36 per cent of all District Commissioners in Zanzibar and 33 per cent of judges and deputy principal secretaries, respectively, the circular reported.
The lowest representation of women is at the basic level of administration – the Shehia – where they constitute only 16.45 per cent of all Shehas in the isles.
The situation is much worse for People with Disabilities (PWDs) as only three of them, equivalent to four per cent, are in the House of Representatives.
In their circular, the organizations highlight laws, policies and cultural practices that constrain women’s participation in political and democratic leadership in Zanzibar, which they consider to violate the country’s Constitution, demanding immediate reforms ahead of the 2005 elections.
The Swahili proverb "Adui wa mwanamke ni mwanamke mwenyewe" ("A woman's enemy is another woman") is often misused to create division. In Zanzibar politics, some men in power use this saying to divide women within political parties, spreading hatred and jealousy. This overlooks the reality that men often use such proverbs to maintain control and suppress women's solidarity and political participation.
Nawia Abdallah Mussa, a 46-year-old mother of five who lives in Mwembetanga, Unguja, joined politics in 2005 as an active member of CUF. In 2014, she switched to another party and aimed to become a leader in the women's section. Initially, some women supported her but later refused to vote for her. She later discovered that top male leaders used women to prevent her from getting the position.
"I had women supporting me at first, but then they suddenly changed their minds," Nawia explained. "I didn't understand why until after the election. I found out that male leaders were manipulating the situation. They used women to spread lies and create distrust. This is a common tactic to keep control and prevent women from gaining power."
Despite these challenges, Nawia was elected as the Chairperson for the women's section from 2014 to 2018. She said, "Even though I won, the struggle didn't end. Men continued to create obstacles. This kind of attitude still exists in political parties, discouraging women from competing with men or even other women who have been chosen as top leaders."
Halima Ibrahim Said, an active female leader at ACT – WAZALENDO, agrees with Nawia's views. She said, "There are efforts to strengthen women in politics, but it is true that men secretly manipulate women. Political leaders must follow policies and protect women who want to be leaders. We need more transparency and support from the top."
Some male leaders still hold the belief that women inherently dislike each other. Abou Said Mpate, Chief Assistant of the Political Department in CCM, denied men's involvement in creating division among women. He said, "Women naturally dislike each other not only in politics but in leadership roles. The only place you see them smile together is at weddings or music ceremonies. Men are not part of this problem. It is a matter of women's own jealousy and competition."
Dr. Mzuri Issa, Executive Director of the Tanzania Media Women’s Association (TAMWA), acknowledged some truth in men undermining women aspiring for leadership. She stated, "Women's support for each other is crucial, but top male leaders have ways to make things worse. They spread rumors and create doubts to keep women divided. This must be addressed and stopped. Women's solidarity is essential for progress." She added, "NGOs should help young women who want to participate in politics and train them to understand the challenges."
Abdul-Razak Said Ali, a lawyer who worked with the Chief Registrar of Political Parties in Zanzibar, noted that while some cases of such manipulation were reported in 2015, recent reports have declined. He said, "Parties should respect their policies, treat women fairly, and ensure they have the right to be elected and hold leadership positions. We will take action against those who use women to undermine other women. It's important for political parties to create a safe and supportive environment for women."
Despite progress in some countries, women are still underrepresented in political positions across Africa. For instance, Rwanda has a majority female parliament, but this is not common across the continent. Women in politics often face gender-based violence, harassment, and intimidation, creating a hostile environment that deters them from entering or remaining in politics.
Tanzania has implemented a quota system to increase female representation in parliament. As of recent data, women hold about 36 percent of the seats in the National Assembly due to these quotas. Women are also guaranteed a certain percentage of seats in local government councils, improving representation at the grassroots level.
Zanzibar, as a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania, has its own constitution addressing governance, including gender equality and women's political participation. The Zanzibar Constitution of 1984 guarantees equality before the law and non-discrimination based on gender. Article 12(1) states, "All people are equal and entitled to equal protection under the law."
Halima added, "The Zanzibar Constitution supports gender equality, but the reality on the ground is different. Women still face many challenges. We need to enforce these laws and create real change. Men in power must be held accountable for their actions."
Dr. Mzuri emphasized, "Civil society organizations in Zanzibar, such as the Zanzibar Female Lawyers Association (ZAFELA) and TAMWA, are working hard to support women's rights and political participation. They provide legal assistance, advocacy, and training. These efforts are crucial for empowering women and ensuring their voices are heard."
Abdul-Razak Said Ali concluded, "The right of every citizen to participate in the government, either directly or through freely chosen representatives, is guaranteed by the Zanzibar Constitution. We must uphold this right and work together to eliminate discrimination and promote equality."
Nawia's story and the insights of other leaders highlight the ongoing struggle for women's political participation in Zanzibar. Despite constitutional guarantees and some progress, significant barriers remain. The manipulation of women by male power structures, gender-based violence, and a lack of real support continue to hinder women's political advancement. However, with continued advocacy, legal support, and solidarity among women, there is hope for a more equitable future.
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