Women’s Representation in Tanzania LGAs: Achievements and Limitations

Abstract

The representation of women in decision-making processes is a widely discussed topic in both developed and developing countries since  it is a crucial prerequisite for achieving gender equality. However, the representation of women in politics is marked by both  achievements and limitations, which are experienced differently by women as compared to their male counterparts. Tanzania, being a  developing country, faces a similar situation. Despite the government’s efforts to implement international, regional, and national  instruments that promote equal representation of men and women in politics, the current state of affairs is still of concern. To understand the achievements and limitations faced by women in politics, questionnaires were employed, using the urban and rural local  government authorities in Dodoma Region as a case study. The study surveyed 390 household heads, and the findings revealed that the  quota system, character of political parties, electoral procedures, poor gender relations between men and women, and the financial  positions of women: all are the factors that contribute to the success and challenges experienced by women local representatives in local  politics. In conclusion, the government needs to address the challenges faced by women in local politics by taking such steps as  improving gender relations, electoral procedures, and financial positions of women. Also, political parties have a role to play in ensuring    that women are represented equally in decision-making processes.