The Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Tanzania, Ambassador Filiberto Sebregondi (with a red tie at the centre) addressing journalists during a press conference to unveil the 2013 EU Week celebrations in Tanzania. He is flanked with Heads of Mission of EU Member States in Tanzania namely(but not in order) Ambassadors of Ireland-Fionnuela Gilsenan, the Netherlands-Ad Koekkoek, Spain-Luis Cuesta Civis, Sweden-Lennarth Hjelmaker,Finland-Sinikka Antila, Germany-Klaus-Peter Brandes, Italy-Pierluigi Velardi, Denmark-Johnny Flento, Belgium-Koenraad Adam, Deputy Ambassdor of France-Marie Keller and Deputy British High Commissioner-Julian Chandler. The European Union Naval Force Liason Officer for Kenya and Tanzania, CDR Benjamin Chauvet was also present at the press conference.
THE European Union and Concern Worldwide launch a new 3.8 billion TSHS partnership to support economic, social and land rights of women small scale farmers in Tanzania
Thousands of women in Tanzania rural districts to benefit from improved land rights, agricultural production, livelihood and economic opportunities thanks to a 3.8 billion Tshilling worth programme funded by the European Union (EU) and Concern worldwide.
The ‘Women’s Social and Economic Rights (WSER) programme’ will be launched in Concern Tanzania’s headquarters in Mikocheni, Dar es Salaam on 7 May at 10.00 am. The event will be graced by Honourable Ummy Ali Mwalimu, Deputy Minister for Community Development Gender and Children (MCDGC) and His Excellency Filiberto Ceriani Sebregondi, Ambassador of the European Union in Tanzania. High level representatives from Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Development Partners and civil society organisations also in attendance.
The initiative aims at advancing women’s rights and involvement in and control over decision-making and economic resources at the household, community, and district level through improved knowledge, access to assets, credit and economic opportunities. In close collaboration with districts and village land councils it will support land tenure and specifically women land rights.
The three year programme is expected to a) improve agriculture production for small-scale farmers, through simple techniques such as conservation agriculture, the use and production of improved seeds, processing training, and training paraprofessionals to support farmers; b) distribute at least 6,000 certificates of customary right of occupancy (CCROs) to couples and female-headed households for their land; c) Improve access to credit for women and men through community credit schemes; d) contribute to improved village governance to ensure participation of excluded citizens in village planning, and production of development plans that are accountable to all citizens; e) fight gender discrimination.
The programme will work with men and women in three districts of Kigoma Rural, Masasi and Kasulu focusing on land tenure and economic improvement for women and the whole family, as well as improving women’s household and community decision making. The programme aims to transform negative perceptions of equality by working with men and women on the benefits of equal access and control of resources, and on participation of women and men in community decision making.
EU Ambassador stated: “With respect, honour, and economic incentives Tanzanian rural women can be the real drivers for change and prosperity. The European Union believe that there can be no poverty reduction without gender equality, and we strive to include gender in all of our activities and programmes and support government and civil society organisations in their tremendous efforts to improve the lives of Tanzanian women. Today we are particularly delighted to be able to partner with such a reputable and experienced organisation such as Concern Worldwide.
We trust the programme will go a long way in promoting improved access to land, property rights and economic opportunities for women, breaking down cultural norms which often discriminate against women and girls. In doing so we hope to contribute to a real life change for thousands of women in rural Tanzania and their families as well as improved food security, nutrition and economic potential for the whole community.