Girls of Tanzania lead the way in Vision 2050

Girls in Tanzania Demand Inclusion in Vision 2050

Girls across Tanzania are increasingly vocal about their need for greater inclusion in the nation’s long-term development plan, Vision 2050. They are calling on leaders to focus on skills development, equal opportunities, and protection from early marriage to ensure they can fully realize their potential.

At the launch of the Girl Agenda 2025 Forum on September 12, 2025, young participants emphasized the importance of addressing gaps in education, entrepreneurship, digital literacy, and leadership. Despite some progress, many challenges remain. A Form Four student at Kijitonyama Secondary School, Princess Wilfred, highlighted the potential of Tanzanian girls when given the right resources and opportunities. She stated, “There are more than 14.9 million girls in Tanzania. With resources and opportunities, we can become the largest generation of leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and change-makers in our nation’s history.”

Despite government reforms, nearly 3.2 million children aged seven to 17 are still out of school, with the majority being girls. Dropout rates are often linked to early marriage or teenage pregnancy. Globally, UNICEF estimates that 244 million children are out of school, nearly half of them girls. Additionally, over 11 million children may never return to school even after the pandemic.

In Tanzania, a significant digital divide further complicates the situation. Only 18 percent of women use the internet, and female computer science students make up just 10 percent of the field. According to the Skills4Girls programme by UNICEF, over 90 percent of jobs worldwide require digital skills, yet one in four girls aged 15–19 is neither in school, training, nor employed. This highlights the urgent need for investment in digital education.

Civil society organizations have been vocal about the systemic barriers that prevent girls from achieving their full potential. Consolata Chikoti, Director of the Msichana Initiative, noted that gender inequality in Tanzania is deeply entrenched. She said, “We must move beyond policy and dismantle barriers preventing girls from leadership, digital skills, and employment.”

Jackline Martin from the NGO Wote Sawa added, “The Girl Agenda has connected more than 15,000 girls and young women over eight years, providing sustainable platforms for them to push for change. Girls are agents of transformation, not just beneficiaries.”

The government has taken steps to support girls’ inclusion. In 2016, the High Court raised the minimum marriage age to 18, although this ruling faced legal challenges. Education reforms in 2023 focused on inclusive schooling and practical skills. The Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups has also partnered with civil society to organize forums like the Girl Agenda 2025.

Ms Sofia Mkama, a senior ministry official, stated, “As we prepare for the 2025 General Election and reflect on 30 years of the Beijing Declaration, Tanzania is committed to ensuring girls’ priorities are central to national development. We aim to improve digital literacy, create safe spaces, and increase leadership opportunities.”

Experts emphasize the broader benefits of investing in girls. Dr Asha Nyerere, a gender and development specialist in Dar es Salaam, explained, “Educating girls creates ripple effects, leading to family prosperity, stronger communities, and national growth.”

The Girl Agenda 2025 Forum urged governments, partners, and communities to remove structural barriers and create opportunities that prepare girls for a changing world. In her closing remarks, Princess Wilfred declared, “We are not asking for favours. We are demanding our right to help build the Tanzania we want by 2050.”