For the team at the Aga Khan University (AKU) in Tanzania, International Women’s Day is not just a one-day affair. It is marked through a series of events and activities over four days.
This year, faculty and staff of AKU engaged students and the community to bring the event’s theme, "Each for Equal", to life through targeted activities. The IWD events were aimed at not only celebrating women but also empowering them to succeed in all aspect of life.
The celebrations kicked off on March 5 with presentations on women’s health, a book review and a fitness session for AKU staff and students.
The next day staff saw a visit to the Muhimbili Primary School for a talk on sexual abuse to Grade 7 and 8 students. They also later donated food and household items to women suffering from obstetric fistula at the Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation in Tanzania.
On March 7, students from Tambaza High School visited the AKU Tanzania campus to interact with staff and participate in sports activities. Together with staff, they also made IWD-themed friendship bracelets.
“This year the communities we serve and our nation at large saw AKU Tanzania in action. The celebrations were colourful, relevant and well-attended by both men and women,” said Prof Joe Lugalla, associate vice-provost, AKU Tanzania. “The events were valuable not just in terms of ideas but also actions. They showed how much we as a University value, encourage and practice gender equality in the workplace.”
The activities culminated in a half-day celebration on March 9 with panel discussions on women’s health and rights, and a skit by Tambaza High School students on the importance of men enabling women in their careers.
Chief Guest Ms Mary Rusimbi, a gender expert and founder of the Tanzania Gender Networking Programme said: “I urge AKU as a leading research institution in Tanzania to partner with local institutions in doing research with a focus on improving women’s rights. It is through meaningful research that all women will be able to realise their full potential and engage in transformation for empowerment, social justice and application of women’s rights at grassroots community, district and national levels.”
This is what AKU faculty and staff had to say about the celebrations:
“It gives me great satisfaction to see a dream turn into reality! The vision behind planning and executing the various IWD 2020 activities, unlike other years, was to make a difference,” said Lucy Rweyemamu, Senior Manager, Dean’s Office and the lead organiser of this year’s celebrations.
“A difference in the lives of other women around us, a difference in those who are in need, a difference in how we may uplift each other, a difference in how we can spread love and positivity, a difference in shedding light on social ills within our societies, a difference in generational equality, and ultimately, a difference in how we raise awareness about this year’s theme.”
AKU Tanzania faculty member Nipael Mrutu said: "AKU Tanzania’s IWD 2020 celebrations portrayed a true picture of equality. Through this event, women had an opportunity to showcase their strengths: the strength to plan, organise and manage events, address challenges in the community, provide care, and inspire men and women, young and old.”
