Dr Shein stresses women's empowerment
 
2005-06-25 07:56:41
By Lydia Shekighenda

Vice-President Dr Ali Mohamed Shein said yesterday that women could greatly contribute to poverty reduction if they were properly empowered.

Dr Shein said when opening an entrepreneurship seminar for women in Dar es Salaam yesterday that women comprised 51 percent of the country’s population and their potential could not be overstated.

He said the country would take a big step in the war on poverty if such a big group would participate fully in various economic activities, including business.

'Extra efforts are needed in order to boost this important group in the society and free it from poverty,' Dr Shein said.

He said the government would continue with its efforts to assist women in various spheres with a view to enabling them cope with the changing world.

The government had already succeeded in increasing the number of female students in the country’s secondary schools and higher learning institutions, Dr Shein added.

The vice-president commended the Equal Opportunities For All Trust Fund (EOTF) for empowering more than 2,000 women in business.

He said many women had acquired basic business skills and could now face the future with hope and confidence.

EOTF Chairperson Mama Anna Mkapa said the seminar drew businesswomen from all over Tanzania, adding that such forums would enable women to run their business effectively and profitably.

She said lack of information and know-how was holding back women entrepreneurs and added that the seminar would go a long way in enabling women to increase the market share for their products.

• SOURCE: Guardian