The Honorable Minister Dr. Dorothy Gwajima (right) joyfully shakes hand with Sister Judith Spendi when she arrives at the Kilangalala grounds in Geita to officiate in the International Women’s Day celebration 8th March 2026.
The Honorable Minister Dr. Dorothy Gwajima (right) joyfully shakes hand with Sister Judith Spendi when she arrives at the Kilangalala grounds in Geita, Tanzania to officiate in the International Women’s Day celebration 8th March 2026.© 2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.More than three thousand residents of Geita Region joined the rest of the world in celebrating International Women’s Day in a colourful event that brought together government leaders, community members, women’s groups, and invited guests from different parts of the country and global organization representatives.
The Guest of Honour at the celebration was the Honourable Minister of Community Development, Women, Gender and Special Groups, Dr. Dorothy Gwajima. The event, which took place at Kalangalala grounds in Geita municipality, was hosted by the Geita Regional Commissioner, Mr. Martin Shigella, who welcomed the minister and other distinguished guests to the region.
Among the invited guests were leaders from Zanzibar, including the Deputy Minister for Community Development, Gender, The Elderly and Children in the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Ms. Zawadi Nassor, who attended the celebration to show solidarity with women across the country.
The Honorable Minister Dr. Gwajima and other leaders at the high table (front row), rose to greet the crowd gathered for the celebration. On her right, is the Geita Regional Commissioner Mr. Martin Shigella, followed by the Deputy Minister for Community Development, Gender, The Elderly and Children in the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Ms. Zawadi Nassor. Next to Ms. Zawadi (not facing the camera) is the UN Resident Representative Ms Susan Ngugi Namondo.
The Honorable Minister Dr. Gwajima and other leaders at the high table (front row), rose to greet the crowd gathered for the celebration. On her right, is the Geita Regional Commissioner Mr. Martin Shigella, followed by the Deputy Minister for Community Development, Gender, The Elderly and Children in the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Ms. Zawadi Nassor. Next to Ms. Zawadi (not facing the camera) is the UN Resident Representative Ms Susan Ngugi Namondo on 8th March, 2026 in Geita, Tanzania.© 2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Speaking during the event, Dr. Gwajima thanked all the participants for coming together and showing unity among the women on such a special day. Among other things, she encouraged women to join various women’s economic empowerment groups. She explained that “such groups provide a platform where women can share their experiences, support each other, and discuss the challenges they face while working together to improve their economic well-being. They help in strengthening your economic independence and improve your livelihoods,” She stressed.
Dr. Gwajima also strongly condemned individuals who continue to uphold traditions and cultural practices that harm children, such as female genital mutilation (FGM). She called on communities to abandon harmful practices and instead promote traditions that protect the rights, health, and well-being of children.
The Geita Regional Commissioner, Mr. Martin Shigella, thanked the Honourable Minister for choosing Geita Region to host the important national celebration. He expressed the region’s appreciation and stated that Geita would be willing to host similar celebrations in the future if other regions are unable to do so.
The celebration included speeches, demonstrations, and cultural performances aimed at recognizing the contributions of women in society and promoting gender equality. Participants also reflected on the progress made in empowering women and the efforts still needed to ensure equal opportunities for all.
Women who attended the event dance with the Honorable Minister as part of the International Women’s Day celebrations
Women who attended the event dance with the Honorable Minister as part of the International Women’s Day celebration on 8th March, 2026 in Geita, Tanzania.© 2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Following the speeches, the Honorable Minister inaugurated the “PAMOJA Project,” which aims to advance gender equality in Tanzania. The project is funded by the World Bank and focuses on several key areas aimed at improving the well-being of women and families. Among its major objectives are promoting women’s economic empowerment, preventing gender-based-violence (GBV), and supporting early childhood development.
International Women’s Day is observed every year on March 8 around the world as a way of celebrating the achievements of women and advocating for their rights and empowerment. This year the Ministry had extended a formal invitation to the Church to participate in the event. In an earlier meeting, while accepting the invitation made in person by the Minister Hon. Dr. Gwajima, Elder Thierry Mutombo, President of the Africa Central Area, expressed appreciation and affirmed that the Church would be pleased to participate. He remarked “We are blessed to have sisters in our Church and much of what we accomplish in our Church and families is due to their selfless services”. He further expounded that the way Jesus Christ treated Mary Magdalene and other women during His mortal ministry demonstrated His deep respect for women. “We can follow Jesus Christ’s example of showing kindness and respect to the women in our lives.” He emphasized.
The Africa Central Area’s Organisation Adviser, Sister Judith Mhina Spendi attended the event in Geita on behalf of the Church. Sister Spendi also serves as a Patron of the Women’s Economic Empowerment Forum in Tanzania, a position to which she was appointed by the Honourable Minister. During the event she noted that the Relief Society Organization, of which women in the Church are members, is one of the largest and oldest women’s organization in the world, with a membership of nearly eight million. “It was founded in 1842 to enable women to pool their resources and unite their efforts in serving and supporting people in their communities.”
