Women and girls in Tanzania continue to face a range of social, economic,
environmental and health challenges that limit their ability to fully participate in
development processes. Although the country has made progress in promoting gender equality
through policies and legal frameworks, many women and girls still experience significant barriers
to accessing education, healthcare services, economic opportunities, land ownership, and participation
in decision-making processes.
Gender-based violence remains a major challenge affecting women and girls in both public and private spaces.
Harmful cultural norms, gender inequality, and social discrimination continue to undermine women’s
rights and restrict their ability to access justice, economic resources, and leadership opportunities.
Adolescent girls and young women face particular challenges in accessing
sexual and reproductive health information and services. Early pregnancy, child marriage, school dropout,
limited youth-friendly health services, and economic vulnerability continue to affect the wellbeing and
future prospects of many young women, especially in rural and marginalized communities.
Climate change has also become an emerging challenge that
disproportionately affects women and girls. Changes in rainfall patterns, droughts,
floods and environmental degradation threaten food security, agricultural productivity,
water availability, and livelihoods in many rural communities. Because women play a
central role in agriculture, water collection, and household food production, they
are often the most affected by climate-related shocks.
Limited access to land, agricultural inputs,
climate information and financial resources further reduces the ability of
women farmers to adapt to climate change. Strengthening women access to
climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable farming technologies and economic
opportunities is therefore essential to improving household resilience and reducing poverty.
Addressing these interconnected challenges requires coordinated
efforts that strengthen health systems, promote gender equality, improve climate resilience,
support sustainable agriculture, and empower women and girls to actively participate in social,
economic, and environmental development.
