Maendeleo ya Wanawake congratulate Suluhu, say they have began to see gains through her leadership

By Mourice Seretta

Women of Kenya have expressed confidence for a stronger working base in the region with the entry of Samia Suluhu as first woman leader of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Suluhu Hassan, who came into power following the demise of President Dr John Magufuli , becomes the only female president from the East African region to sit at the African Union Heads of State Summit.

In a congratulatory message delivered before the media in Nairobi today, Kenya’s Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organization (MYWO) Chairperson Rahab Muiu reaffirmed Kenyan women’s commitment to working with president Suluhu Hassan.

“Congratulations Your Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan for becoming the first female President of the United Republic of Tanzania…your new role brings us joy and pride as women of East Africa, Africa and indeed the world. We continue to celebrate H. E. Dr. Joyce Banda and H. E. Sirleaf Johnson,” said Rahab.

Muiu said Suluhu is a perfect example of how women can be of substance in society when given the opportunity to serve with humility and dedication.

“You excellency, we take pride in a woman president which in your words told us that you came from a humble background. You worked for the Government of Tanzania, your party CCM, WFP, Action Aid, Civil Society, as a Member of Parliament, Minister in different portfolios and Vice President and now President…what a humbling experience!”

“We are very proud of your journey of truthfulness, honesty, wisdom and humility and yet very proud wife and mother. We couldn’t ask for more Your Excellency, we feel connected,” Muiu went on.

“Your story illustrates an exemplary African woman leader who has been faithful to her course. We feel we have one of us sitting at the Heads of State Summit at the African Union and who will champion the issues of women passionately.

“Your Excellency, it is gratifying to note that in your few days in office, we have witnessed the inclusion of women bringing back old names like an old diplomat in Foreign Affairs Madam Liberata Mulamula.

“Your Excellency, women in business look forward to continuing doing business with the United Republic of Tanzania without unnecessary hurdles.”

Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organization (MYWO) is a non-profit voluntary women’s organization with a mission to improve the quality of life of the rural communities especially women and youth in Kenya.

MYWO is managed from the Headquarter by an elected governing body and employed staff, the organization has branches in every administrative unit of the country, more than 25,000 group affiliates and, over 4 million individual members.