Cecilia Kibada

2019 Fellowship Alumna, Tanzania

Tanzania’s First Female President and a Renewed Hope for Widows’ Rights

Human rights cannot be protected in societies without a strong rule of law. Every person including those in government must be subject to the law.”

Cecilia Kibada, 2019 Fellowship Alumna, Tanzania

Tanzania is in a new chapter of leadership under the first female President in the person of the distinguished Samia Suluhu Hassan. She is often described as “Mama Samia.” This Swahili title means “mother” and reflects respect, kindness, warmth, and love.”

A woman engages in conversation at a luncheon
Cecilia engages with participants at The Presidential Precinct’s opening luncheon in 2019.

Such a milestone in leadership is a much-needed step forward for Tanzania – despite equal opportunity laws and affirmative action there is still the vivid lack of women in leadership positions. Now, having a female President has brought in a different perspective that will change our culture and challenge the all-too-common stereotype that a woman cannot hold a top position.  Mama Samia has encouraged young women to display confidence; for she is a good example of what it looks like to be an effective leader regardless of gender…

Read more in this article that Cecilia Kibada, 2019 Fellowship Alumna from Tanzania, authored for The Presidential Precinct’s blog.

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