Women in Tanzania

Pillars of daily life and agents of change

On the occasion of March 8th, International Women’s Day, we wanted to highlight the women of Tanzania. Present at every level of society, they play a vital role in the lives of families, communities, and the country as a whole.

In Tanzania, women represent just over half of the population (around 51%). They are therefore much more than a part of society, they are one of its fundamental pillars.

A central role in everyday life

In many families, women are at the heart of daily life. They are responsible for raising children, managing the household, and often contribute significantly to economic activities at the same time.

They also spend considerably more time than men on unpaid domestic work — an essential but often invisible contribution. In rural areas, women are actively involved in agriculture, which remains a major part of the country’s economy.

Active and committed women

Tanzanian women are widely present in the workforce. Nearly 49% of the labor force is made up of women, and a large majority of them work, particularly in agriculture, trade, and services.

In some sectors, they are even the majority: for example, women represent around 70% of healthcare workers. They are also increasingly involved in entrepreneurship, education, and small local businesses.

However, they are still less likely to hold positions of responsibility, and access to education and stable employment remains limited for many, especially in rural areas.

A role that is evolving

In recent years, the place of women in Tanzanian society has been gradually evolving. The country marked an important milestone with the election of its first female president, Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Today, women are also gaining ground in political life, holding more than one-third of the seats in parliament.

Despite this progress, challenges remain: access to education, early marriage, economic inequalities, and gender-based violence. These realities remind us that the path toward equality is still ongoing.

At Partage Tanzania

Within the association itself, women play a key role.

Out of 127 staff members and volunteers, 53 are women, working daily in a wide range of roles alongside 74 men.

Today, each Partage village is coordinated by a nurse, who supervises the local teams and ensures the smooth running of activities on the ground. These women are true pillars of the organization. They also serve as a vital link with the Bukoba office, facilitating communication and project follow-up. Their commitment, close connection to the communities, and strong sense of responsibility make them indispensable to the life of the association.

Although they are not the majority in numbers, their contribution is essential. Whether in the field, in educational, social, or administrative roles, they actively support the implementation of projects and the accompaniment of children and families.

Their dedication, alongside that of the men, reflects the balance and human richness that sustain the association every day.

Supporting the women of tomorrow

In this context, the work of Partage Tanzania takes on its full meaning. By supporting children’s education (especially that of girls) the association helps open new opportunities and strengthens the independence of future women.

Each supported school journey is a step toward greater equality, more choices, and a brighter future. Because behind every girl supported today is a woman of tomorrow, ready to act, decide, and pass on what she has received.