Gender Equality Is Not Oppression Of A Particular Group- Dr. Jingu

 BY STAFF REPORTER 

"The issue of gender equality in Tanzania doesn't mean to undermine one gender in favor of the other, but to place conducive and equity environment in which members from both gender will equally share the national cake, as well as others vital opportunities, " 

These are the brave remarks from the Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Community Development, Women and Special Groups, Dr. John Jingu.

He was speaking when gracing opening of a special working session that brought together Gender Desk Officers (GDOs) from sectoral ministries and development stakeholders which convened in Dodoma Capital City.

He said some people do not understand the concept of gender equality, others associate gender equality with discrimination or protecting one group in society, a concept which is not holding any truth.

He challenged the GDOs from the sectorial ministries to stand at forefront in order to help change the majority's poor understand towards gender equality concept.

Together with that, he underscored the need for the Gender Desk Officers (GDs) to work beyond call of their duties,  but also to turn more creative in their daily executions.

"Most people within communities are still far away from understand your presence and roles, make sure you stand at forefront to educate the public over gender- based issues, " he challenged.

For his side, the Director for Gender, from the Ministry of Community Development, Women and Special Groups,  Badru Abdunur said the meeting was for receiving gender reports from the GDOs from different areas.

For his part, the Representative of the Resident Director of UN Women at the meeting, Usu Malya, congratulated the government through the Ministry of Social Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups for the steps it takes in addressing gender issues, especially in ensuring that it coordinates gender desks in the sectoral ministries.

Malya said the development was playing a paramount role in help putting up strength in ensuring that gender issues are seriously considered especially in the planning of various development plans and budgets.