Wizara isipotenga Bajeti yenye mtazamo wa Kijinsia inyimwe fedha- Prof. Mlama

Naibu Waziri wa Fedha, Hamad Chande, akizungumza wakati wa hotuba yake kwenye Kongamano la Miaka 30 ya Beijing, lililoandaliwa na Mtandao wa Wanawake, Katiba, Uongozi na Uchaguzi

 

Na Deogratius Koyanga

 Wizara ambazo hazitatenga Bajeti yenye mtazamo wa Kijinsia, zitatakiwa kutopewa fedha hadi zitakapozingatia mahitaji ya msingi ya makundi yote wakiwepo wanawake, wanaume, wazee watoto, wasichana  na watu wenye ulemavu.

Hayo yamesemwa na Mwenyekiti wa Mfuko wa ruzuku kwa wanawake (WFT-T) Profesa Penina Mlama mbele ya Naibu Waziri wa Fedha, Hamad Chande,  Wakati wa maadhimisho ya sherehe za Miaka 30 ya Beijing, na siku ya wanawake Duniani,  zilizoandaliwa na Mtandao wa wanawake, Katiba, Uongozi na uchaguzi chini ya uratibu wa WFT-T.

“Mhe. Naibu Waziri, tunaishukuru serikali, wakati tumeenda Beijing miaka 30 iliyopita, tuliaambatana na viongozi wa serikali, watumishi wa wizara mbalimbali na wawakilishi wa sekta. Hawa waliwezeshwa na wizara ya fedha. Masuala ya Beijing ambayo yametekelezwa hapa Tanzania, yametumia bajeti na fedha za serikali ambazo zinatoka katika wizara yako. Tunaona jinsi wizara ya fedha imewajibika kusimamia utekelezaji wa maamzimio ya Beijing” alisema Profesa Mlama na kuongeza:

“Tunakuomba kwa nafasi ya wizara hii, kwa kuzingatia kwamba bado tunahitaji bado fedha kutekeleza masuala haya 12 ya Beijing, wizara ambayo haitazingatia  Bajeti yenye mtazamo wa Kijinsia, isipewe fedha”

Mwongozo wa Taifa wa Bajeti kwa mwaka wa fedha 2025/2026, inazitaka wizara, Idara na mamlaka za Serikali za Mitaa kuzingatia bajeti yenye mrengo wa Kijinsia (GRB), katika Bajeti zao ambapo zitatakiwa kuzingatia Haki na mahitaji ya makundi maalum.

Kwa upande wake , Naibu waziri amesema kwamba, serikali inazingatia na kuheshimu sana utekelezaji wa masuala yote 12 ya Beijing, na kuhakikisha kila sekta inatekeleza  na kuweka rasilimali zitakazowezesha  kuondoa mapungufu ya usawa wa Kijinsia nchini.

“sisi zote tumetunzwa na kulelewa na kina mama, tunahitaji kuwahshimu kwa kuweka miundombinu safi na salama katika kuboresha maisha yao, hili ni deni kwetu sote, tunatakiwa kuwajibika kufanya hivyo” alisema.

Akizungumza, aliyekuwa Naibu Katibu Mkuu wa Umoja wa Mataifa, na Kiongozi wa Mkutano wa Beijing, Balozi Getrude Mongela, alisema kwamba serikali inatakiwa kufuatilia namna ambavyo wanawake wananufaika na bajeti inayotengwa na serikali ili kuondoa tatizo la mnyororo wa thamani kwa wanawake wakulima wa Tanzania

“Nakuomba ukafuatilie, fedha za bajeti zinazotengwa zinaishia wapi?, zinawafikia wanawake? Fedha hizi za bajeti zinazokusanywa na serikali zinatoka mifukoni mwa wanawake, hii miradi mikubwa ya maendeleo inawanufaisha wanawake?” alisema Balozi Mongela na kuongeza:

“Nenda hatua kwa hatua ukokotoe bajeti ya kilimo, ambayo wanawake wengi wamewekeza nguvu zao huko, fedha kiasi gani zinakwenda kuwezesha wanawake kujenga viwanda vya kuongeza dhamani ya mazao yao? Angalia ni fedha kiasi gani zimeenda kwenye vikundi vya wanawake?”

“miaka 80 yangu, natamani kuona jembe la mkono limeondoka, kutumia teknolojia katika kilimo ili kumuondolea mwanamke mzigo wa kazi, natamani kuona naibu waziri kusimamia bajeti ya kilimo, ikiondoa mzigo kwa wanawake”aliongeza Balozi Mongela.

Kongamano hili la Kitaifa, lenye kauli mbiu ya Kusherehekea Miaka 30+ Beijing:  Tumetoka wapi, Tulipo, na Tuendako, pamoja na mengine malengo yake ni pamoja na Kutoa nafasi kwa wanaharakati wa harakati za wanawake nchini kusherehekea hatua muhimu na kuheshimu historia ya harakati za ukombozi wa wanawake;

Pia kufikiria upya maisha ya wanawake baada ya Beijing +30, kuchambua hali ya sasa, changamoto na jinsi changamoto za wanawake zinavyokabiliwa pamoja na matokeo yake;

Aidha lengo lingine ni kujenga mitandao, kujifunza, kuunda pamoja taasisi za kimabadiliko, na kuunganisha nguvu kwa mustakabali wa pamoja.

Empowering Change: Pendo Makala’s Leadership Revolution in Mbelekes

 Empowering Change: Pendo Makala’s Leadership Revolution in Mbelekese

 

 

 
Iramba, Singida, Tanzania
By Deogratius Koyanga

In the Mbelekese Ward, Iramba district, Singida region, quiet yet profound changes are unfolding. These changes are driven by the vision, influence, and unwavering commitment of Pendo Makala Mkumbo, a passionate advocate for women's rights and a leader emerging from the UKIJANI project, implemented by HELVETAS Tanzania. Her story stands out as a shining example of how training and determination can create ripples of change in a rural community.

Historically, the Nyiramba tribe’s customs and traditions have hindered women's participation in leadership. These deep-rooted views often limit their chances of taking on decision-making roles, despite national policies and laws like the National Land Policy (1995), Village Land Act (1999), and the Local Government Act (1982), which recognize women as rightful landowners and decision-makers. Furthermore, Tanzania is a signatory to regional agreements such as the Maputo Protocol and Agenda 2063 of the African Union, both emphasizing gender equality and women's leadership in all sectors. However, the challenge lies in translating these policies into real change, especially in communities where traditional beliefs still hold strong.

After completing leadership training through UKIJANI in 2024, Pendo took immediate action to challenge the status quo. She did not limit her efforts to women alone; she reached out to men—who often hold the power in rural settings to allow or deny their wives the right to lead. She visited coffee shops, local brew joints, and football fields, engaging men in conversations that encouraged them to rethink their perspectives and support women’s leadership.

“We realized that empowering only women was not enough because many were restricted by their husbands. So, we turned to the men to be part of the change,” Pendo reflects.

Her outreach began to bear fruit. A villager from Mbelekese, Mzee Omary Salum, remembers how Pendo’s direct approach made a lasting impact:
“I never imagined a woman could come to me, sit me down, and ask me to support my wife running for office. But Pendo came, spoke calmly but firmly. She opened my eyes. Today, my wife is a member of the school committee,” he says proudly.

Pendo’s tireless efforts led to remarkable results in the 2024 local elections. Unlike in 2019, when no women held the position of Ward Chair, women in Mbelekese emerged victorious. In Kikonge village, two women—Neema Said Shila (75 votes) and Hadija Mohamed Dafi (10 votes)—made it into the top five for the village chairmanship election. A woman whom Pendo mentored and campaigned for, was elected as the Chair of Mabanda Hamlet.

Beyond politics, Pendo has been a driving force in advocating for better public services. As the Secretary of the UWT (Union of Women in Tanzania) in her ward, she uses her position to encourage women to take part in decision-making positions. Her advocacy has led to vital initiatives like improved healthcare, school feeding programs, the establishment of girls' hostels in secondary schools, and access to clean water.

“If we can build one hostel for girls and another for boys, we will reduce absenteeism, teen pregnancies, and help students stay close to their schools,” she states.

Through her leadership and the support of her peers, Pendo has also helped educate women about the importance of land ownership. By encouraging Elisiana Mkumbo to contest for a seat on the Land Council at the ward level, she has empowered women to claim their rights to land. Many women, who previously did not understand the value of land ownership, now recognize it as a crucial right and opportunity.

“Before, many women thought that if their husbands owned land, that was enough. Now, we’ve made sure they understand that they too have the right to own land. Many women have now registered their names on land titles along with their husbands,” Pendo adds.

Through the UKIJANI training, Pendo also learned more about the critical gender issues and women’s rights that were often overlooked by local leaders. She and her fellow UWT leaders began school visits, educating girls about reproductive health and fighting gender-based violence. Positive results are already visible, including a reduction in teen pregnancies.

“We realized that leaders were not giving enough attention to issues of gender equality. Now, we’ve started visiting schools, and we’re already seeing results,” Pendo shares.

Together with her fellow village council members, Pendo has been advocating for the establishment of better public services, with a focus on water, health, and education, ensuring that girls are given priority and protected from gender-based violence.

Pendo’s journey is a testament to the fact that true empowerment begins at the grassroots level. It’s a reminder that with the right knowledge, influence, and determination, women can emerge as powerful leaders, driving significant social change in their communities. Through the UKIJANI project, Pendo is not just changing attitudes, she’s raising a new generation of women leaders in Tanzania.

 

Safe Menstruation: Muheza’s Ongoing Success Following WASH Implementation

By Deogratius Koyanga

Access to safe menstrual hygiene services has brought significant positive changes for schoolgirls, restoring their confidence and enabling them to fully participate in their education.

The Tanzanian government’s 2016 Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Guidelines outline clear directives for stakeholders to ensure the construction of menstrual hygiene-friendly infrastructure in schools, aiming to create a conducive learning environment for girls. Under these guidelines, each local government authority is required to allocate an annual budget to address challenges related to inadequate WASH services, ultimately enhancing education outcomes.

Through various speeches, the government has consistently emphasized the importance of budgeting for menstrual hygiene services. President Samia Suluhu Hassan once stated, “We must ensure that no girl misses school because of menstruation. The government will continue prioritizing education and health budgets to improve conditions for schoolgirls.” Similarly, former Minister of Health Ummy Mwalimu stressed that the national budget ensures schools receive funds to improve health and sanitation infrastructure.

In line with these efforts, the Tanzania Gender Networking Programme (TGNP), in collaboration with ONGAWA and the Muheza District Council, implemented a WASH project in 2022 at both household and school levels, with a strong focus on safe menstruation to ensure girls can attend school without disruptions. Although the project has concluded, recent follow-ups reveal its ongoing impact, benefiting both students and the wider community.

A 2009 government study on SWASH (School WASH) conditions found that school water and sanitation facilities were in poor condition. Only 11% of surveyed schools met the policy standards for toilet-to-student ratios. Over 20% of schools had more than 100 students per toilet, and 6% had no toilets at all. This lack of facilities significantly affected school attendance, especially for girls during menstruation, as they faced a shortage of menstrual products and lacked privacy.

At Zirai Secondary School in Muheza, girls have greatly benefited from the construction of a private menstrual hygiene room, the provision of free sanitary pads, clean water in toilets, and guidance from female teachers. Students now attend school without fear, unlike before when many would miss classes due to menstruation.

According to Mohamed Mmole, Zirai Ward Education Officer, these improvements were made possible by the school’s decision to prioritize menstrual hygiene. Recognizing the challenge of purchasing sanitary pads, the school has allocated part of its capitation grant to ensure these essential supplies remain available.

Mr. Mmole further explains that the school has taken proactive measures by continuously providing menstrual pads and pain relief medication for girls. He emphasizes that the full implementation of the 2016 government guidelines could yield even greater success if all stakeholders work together.

Rehema Matuga, a female teacher and mentor at Zirai, highlights that the improved school environment has significantly increased girls’ attendance. She notes that in the past, menstrual health was overlooked, leading to girls missing school out of fear and embarrassment. Today, the situation has changed, and Zirai Secondary School is now a model institution for menstrual hygiene management.

Laya Christopher, a Form Four student, shares that since menstrual hygiene services were improved, girls feel more confident attending school. She adds that the availability of sanitary pads has eliminated the anxiety and discomfort they once faced, allowing them to focus on their studies.

Similarly, Amina Ayubu, a Form One student, notes a significant difference compared to her experience in primary school, where menstrual hygiene was not prioritized. She now feels safe and supported, thanks to menstrual education and the provision of sanitary products at school.

Leonia Andrew, former ONGAWA Program Officer, states that their primary goal was to create a supportive learning environment for girls so they could complete their secondary education without menstrual-related obstacles. She urges trained government officials to prioritize menstrual hygiene in development budgets.

Florence Mosha, Acting Executive Officer of Zirai Ward, emphasizes that every village should take concrete action to implement plans that enhance menstrual hygiene services in schools.

Zirai Secondary School, which has over 150 female students, currently consumes 10 boxes of sanitary pads per month. These pads are supplied through contributions from various stakeholders, school capitation funds, and the Zirai Information and Knowledge Center, which collaborates with development partners.

During gender-responsive budgeting training conducted by TGNP and ONGAWA, leaders from Kwalumbizi, Zirai, and Kizerui villages agreed to prioritize the construction of menstrual hygiene rooms in primary schools and allocate funds for sanitary pad procurement. They also emphasized the importance of installing incinerators to safely dispose of used sanitary products, ensuring proper sanitation.

“Before, we were forced to miss school because we had no choice. Now, we feel safe, and we can attend classes just like everyone else,” says Laya Christopher, expressing the relief and confidence brought by these initiatives.

The success of these initiatives in Muheza demonstrates that ensuring access to menstrual hygiene services can significantly improve schoolgirls’ attendance and participation. By fostering collaboration between government agencies, development partners, educators, and local communities, Tanzania can continue to ensure that no girl’s education is hindered by menstruation-related challenges.

Hedhi Salama: Muheza Yaendelea Kufanikiwa Baada ya Utekelezaji wa WASH

 

** Hedhi Salama: Muheza Yaendelea Kufanikiwa Baada ya Utekelezaji wa WASH**

Na Deogratius Koyanga

Upatikanaji wa huduma za hedhi salama umeleta mabadiliko makubwa kwa wasichana shuleni, ukirejesha tabasamu na kuwapa fursa ya kushiriki kikamilifu katika masomo yao.

Mwongozo wa serikali juu ya Maji, Afya na Usafi wa Mazingira wa mwaka 2016 unatoa maelekezo kwa wadau mbalimbali kuhakikisha ujenzi wa miundombinu ya hedhi salama mashuleni ili kuboresha mazingira ya kujifunzia kwa watoto wa kike. Kupitia mwongozo huu, kila Halmashauri inapaswa kutenga bajeti kila mwaka wa fedha ili kuhakikisha changamoto zinazotokana na ukosefu wa huduma bora za Maji, Afya na Usafi wa Mazingira (SWASH) zinatatuliwa na hivyo kuimarisha kiwango cha elimu.

Serikali ya Tanzania kupitia hotuba mbalimbali za viongozi wake imekuwa ikisisitiza umuhimu wa bajeti kwa ajili ya huduma za hedhi salama. Rais Samia Suluhu Hassan katika moja ya hotuba zake aliwahi kusema, "Tunahitaji kuhakikisha kuwa hakuna msichana anayekosa shule kwa sababu ya hedhi. Serikali itaendelea kuweka mkazo katika bajeti ya elimu na afya ili kuboresha mazingira ya watoto wa kike." Aliyekuwa Waziri wa Afya Ummy Mwalimu,  pia alisisitiza kuwa mpango wa bajeti ya taifa unahakikisha kuwa shule zinatengewa fedha za kuboresha miundombinu ya afya na usafi wa mazingira.

Katika utekelezaji wa mwongozo huu, Mtandao wa Jinsia (TGNP) kwa kushirikiana na Shirika la ONGAWA na Halmashauri ya Wilaya ya Muheza walitekeleza mradi wa Maji, Afya na Usafi wa Mazingira (WASH) mwaka 2022 katika ngazi ya kaya na shuleni, huku suala la hedhi salama likipewa kipaumbele ili kuwawezesha wasichana kuhudhuria masomo yao bila kikwazo. Ingawa mradi huo umekamilika, ufuatiliaji wa hivi karibuni umebaini mafanikio makubwa yanayoendelea kuwanufaisha wasichana na jamii kwa ujumla.

Utafiti wa awali wa serikali wa mwaka 2009 kuhusu hali ya SWASH ulionyesha kuwa hali ya Maji, Usafi wa Mazingira mashuleni ilikuwa duni, ambapo ni asilimia 11 tu ya shule zilizofanyiwa utafiti zilikuwa na uwiano wa matundu ya vyoo unaokidhi viwango vya kisera. Zaidi ya asilimia 20 ya shule zilikuwa na uwiano wa wanafunzi 100 au zaidi kwa tundu moja la choo, huku asilimia 6 ya shule zikiwa hazina kabisa matundu ya vyoo. Hali hii iliathiri mahudhurio ya wasichana shuleni, hususan wakiwa kwenye hedhi, kutokana na ukosefu wa vifaa vya hedhi salama na mazingira yasiyokuwa na faragha.

Katika Shule ya Sekondari ya Zirai, wilayani Muheza, wasichana wamepata unafuu mkubwa baada ya kujengewa chumba maalum cha kujisitiri wanapokuwa kwenye hedhi, kupatiwa pedi za bure shuleni, maji safi na salama kwenye vyoo, pamoja na elimu na malezi bora kutoka kwa walimu wa kike. Wasichana wanasema sasa wanaweza kuhudhuria masomo bila wasiwasi, tofauti na awali ambapo wengi walikuwa wakikosa vipindi wanapokuwa kwenye hedhi. Afisa Elimu Kata ya Zirai, Mwalimu Mohamed Mmole, anasema kuwa mafanikio haya yamechangiwa na uamuzi wa shule kutoa kipaumbele kwa hedhi salama. Hata kwa changamoto ya upatikanaji wa rasilimali za kununua pedi, shule imeweza kutumia sehemu ya ruzuku ya elimu kwa wanafunzi (capitation) ili kuhakikisha huduma hizi zinapatikana.

Mwalimu Mmole anaeleza kuwa shule yao imeamua kuunga mkono juhudi za wadau kwa kuhakikisha pedi na dawa za kutuliza maumivu kwa wasichana zinapatikana muda wote. Anasisitiza kuwa utekelezaji wa mwongozo wa serikali wa mwaka 2016 unaweza kuleta mafanikio makubwa iwapo wadau wote wataendelea kushirikiana. Kwa upande wake, Mwalimu Rehema Matuga, mlezi wa wasichana shuleni hapo, anasema kuwa mazingira ya shule sasa ni salama kwa wasichana na yameongeza mahudhurio yao darasani. Anabainisha kuwa awali suala la hedhi lilipuuzwa, na wasichana walikuwa wakikosa shule kwa hofu ya kukosa vifaa na faragha, lakini kwa sasa hali imebadilika na shule yao imekuwa mfano wa kuigwa.

Laya Christopher, mwanafunzi wa kidato cha nne katika shule hiyo, anaeleza kuwa tangu huduma za hedhi salama zimeboreshwa, wasichana wamekuwa na uhuru wa kuhudhuria masomo bila wasiwasi. Anaeleza kuwa uwepo wa pedi shuleni umeondoa aibu na hofu waliyoipata awali, na sasa wanaweza kuendelea na masomo yao kwa utulivu. Naye Amina Ayubu, mwanafunzi wa kidato cha kwanza, anaeleza kuwa tofauti na alivyokuwa shuleni msingi ambako suala la hedhi halikuwa likipewa kipaumbele, sasa anajisikia huru na salama kutokana na elimu anayopata na upatikanaji wa vifaa vya hedhi shuleni.

Aliyekuwa Afisa Programu wa ONGAWA katika mradi huo Bi. Leonia Andrew, anasema kuwa lengo lao ni kuboresha mazingira ya utoaji elimu kwa watoto wa kike ili waweze kumaliza elimu yao ya sekondari bila vikwazo vya hedhi. Anasisitiza kuwa viongozi wa serikali waliopata mafunzo kuhusu hedhi salama wanapaswa kuhakikisha suala hilo linapewa kipaumbele katika bajeti za maendeleo. Kaimu Afisa Mtendaji wa Kata ya Zirai, Florence Mosha, anasisitiza kuwa kila kijiji kinapaswa kuchukua hatua za dhati katika kutekeleza mpango kazi wa kuhakikisha huduma za hedhi salama zinaboreshwa mashuleni.

Shule ya Sekondari ya Zirai ina zaidi ya wasichana 150 ambao kwa sasa wanatumia boksi 10 za pedi kila mwezi. Pedi hizo zinapatikana kwa michango ya wadau mbalimbali, shule kupitia bajeti yake ya capitation, na Kituo cha Taarifa na Maarifa Zirai ambacho kinashirikiana na wadau wa maendeleo. Katika mafunzo ya uandaaji wa bajeti zenye mrengo wa kijinsia yaliyofanywa na TGNP na ONGAWA, viongozi wa vijiji vya Kwalumbizi, Zirai na Kizerui walikubaliana kuhakikisha shule za msingi katika vijiji vyao zinajengewa vyumba maalum vya kujisitiri kwa wasichana na kutenga bajeti kwa ajili ya ununuzi wa pedi. Pia wameweka kipaumbele katika ujenzi wa maeneo ya kuchomea taka (incinerators) kwa ajili ya kuteketeza pedi zilizotumika, ili kuhakikisha usafi unazingatiwa.

Hatua hizi zinathibitisha kuwa upatikanaji wa huduma za hedhi salama umeleta mabadiliko makubwa katika maisha ya wasichana shuleni, kuimarisha mahudhurio yao, na kuwafanya kushiriki masomo kwa kujiamini. Ushirikiano wa serikali, wadau wa maendeleo, walimu na jamii kwa ujumla ni msingi muhimu katika kuhakikisha kila mtoto wa kike anapata fursa sawa ya elimu bila vikwazo vya hedhi.

 

Tafakari ya Msamaha wakati wa Kwaresma

 

MSAMAHA NI NINI?

Msamaha ni uamuzi wa kuachilia hisia za hasira, chuki, na chuki dhidi ya mtu aliyekuumiza. Ni kuchagua kutokubali kwamba kosa la mtu huyo litakuwa na nguvu juu ya maisha yako, ni kuchagua kutokuendelea kutazama nyuma ambako mtu alikutendea uovu au kukwamisha mafanikio yako.

Msamaha ni kitendo cha kuacha kuudhika, kuachilia mtu aliyekukosea, na kuamua kutochukua kisasi. Ni uamuzi wa kuachilia maumivu ya moyo na hasira ambayo yamesababishwa na matendo ya mtu mwingine. Msamaha sio tu unawafungulia wengine, bali pia unawafungulia yule anayesamehe kutoka katika minyororo ya chuki na uchungu.

KWANINI TUNALAZIMIKA KUSAMEHE?

Ukibeba glasi au vikombe vya udongo kwenye kapu au mfuko ni lazima vigongane, kukwaruzana, kusuguana, na vingine kupasuka. Vikombe vinafanana sana na mfumo wetu wa maisha. Maisha ya binadamu yamejengwa kwenye harakati za kukutana, kuhusiana na kufanya kazi kwa pamoja, kufurahi pamoja, kuhuzunika pamoja nk. Katika harakati hizo, ndipo zinatokea hitilafu na migongano na migogoro ambapo inasabaisha makasiriko, chuki, hasira na kukoseana. Sasa basi, baada ya kukutana na hali hii, msamaha una maana gani kwetu?

• Msamaha sio kusahau kwamba mtu alikukosea. Ni kukubali kwamba tukio hilo limetokea na kuchagua kuachilia maumivu yanayosababishwa nalo.
• Msamaha hasa unakuhusu wewe. Ni njia ya kuponya na kusonga mbele.
• Msamaha sio tukio la wakati mmoja. Ni mchakato ambao unaweza kuchukua muda. Wakati Fulani huchukua miezi, miaka nk.
• Kusamehe haimaanishi kwamba unakubali tabia mbaya ya mtu mwingine.
• Kusamehe kunaweza kuwa nguvu ya kubadilisha maisha. Inaweza kukusaidia kupata amani ya akili na uhusiano bora na wengine.

Msamaha ni zawadi unayojipatia mwenyewe

Ikiwa unakabiliwa na ugumu wa kusamehe, unaweza kutaka kuzungumza na mshauri,mshauri wa kiroho,  mchungaji, padre, Imam /mwalimu wa dini au mtaalamu wa afya ya akili. Wanaweza kukusaidia katika mchakato wa kupona. Hali hii inasaidia kukufanya utoke kwenye kifungo cha kubeba mzigo wa watu.

Umuhimu wa Kusamehe Watu Waliotukosea

Kusamehe ni zawadi kubwa tunayojipatia wenyewe. Inaweza kuwa vigumu sana, hasa pale tulipojeruhiwa sana. Lakini faida zake ni nyingi sana na zinaboreshesha maisha yetu kwa njia nyingi. Unaposamehe unatua mzigo, lakini unajipa furaha na Amani. Unaposamehe unaongeza fursa za kufanikiwa Zaidi, unapata Baraka kutoka kwa Mungu, “Utusamehe sisi, kama tulivyowasamehe wengine” ukisamehe unakuwa na afya njema, unapata nguvu za kuzalisha Zaidi kipato, kipato chako kinaongezeka mara dufu. Ukisamehe unakuwa na uwezo wa kuwasilisiliana vizuri na wateja wako na kuongeza uwezo wa kuuza na kununua na kujitengenezea uchumi bora. Msamaha una mafanikio makubw akw aliyeumizwa na kudsamehe kuliko aliyekosa.

Kwa nini ni muhimu kusamehe?

• Chuki na hasira zinaweza kuleta mzigo mzito moyoni. Kusamehe ni kama kuondoa mzigo huo na kupata amani ya akili.
• Kusamehe kunaweza kuboresha uhusiano wetu na wengine, hata na wale waliotutenda mabaya.
• Uchungu wa kutokusamehe unaweza kuathiri afya yetu ya kimwili na kiakili, ukisababisha matatizo kama vile usingizi mbovu, mkazo, na hata magonjwa.
• Katika dini nyingi, kusamehe ni sehemu muhimu ya ukuaji wa kiroho. Inatuunganisha zaidi na Mungu au nguvu ya juu zaidi. Mfano wakatoliki wanaashwa kusamehe kabla ya kupokea Ekaristi, lakini pia kabla ya kutoa sadaka yako, nenda kapatane na ndugu  yako.
• Tunaposamehe, tunaonyesha wengine jinsi ya kushughulikia maumivu na kuchagua upendo badala ya chuki. Ukisamehe unaongeza ufanisi katika shughuli zako za kila siku, uhuru wa akili na nafsi, unakupa nguvu mpya na ubunifu katika utendaji

Jinsi ya kusamehe:

Kusamehe si jambo rahisi, lakini kuna hatua unaweza kuchukua:

• Elewa hisia zako na kwa nini umejerahiwa.
• Kushiriki hisia zako na mtu unayemwamini kunaweza kukusaidia kupata mtazamo mpya.
• Kuandika juu ya hisia zako kunaweza kukusaidia kuzipanga vizuri.
• Ikiwa unaamini katika Mungu, omba nguvu ya kusamehe.
• Kila mtu hufanya makosa.

Kumbuka: Kusamehe sio sawa na kusahau. Ni juu ya kuchagua kuachilia maumivu na kusonga mbele.

 

Maandiko Matakatifu Yanasemaje Kuhusu Msamaha?

Maandiko Matakatifu, hususan Biblia, yanasisitiza sana umuhimu wa msamaha. Yesu Kristo, katika mahubiri yake Mlimani, alisisitiza kwamba tunapaswa kusamehe wale wanaotukosea, kama vile Baba yetu wa mbinguni anavyotusamehe sisi (Mathayo 6:14-15).

• Mathayo 6:14-15: “Kwa maana mkiwasamehe watu makosa yao, na Baba yenu wa mbinguni atawasamehe ninyi. Bali msipowasamehe watu makosa yao, wala Baba yenu hatawasamehe ninyi makosa yenu.”  
• Marko 11:25-26: “Nanyi kila msimamapo na kusali, sameheni mkiwa na neno juu ya mtu, ili na Baba yenu aliye mbinguni awasamehe na ninyi makosa yenu. Lakini msipowasamehe, wala Baba yenu aliye mbinguni hatawasamehe ninyi makosa yenu.”  

Yesu alienda mbali zaidi kwa kufundisha kwamba tunapaswa kusamehe hata mara sabini na saba (Mathayo 18:21-22). Hii inaonyesha kwamba msamaha sio jambo la kufanya mara moja tu, bali ni mchakato unaoendelea katika maisha yetu

makala hii imeandaliwa na Deogratius Temba, Mwezeshaji, Mtafiti na Mchambuzi wa masuala ya Kijinsia, Tanzania-0784686575

NAFASI YA MWANAUME KATIKA KULEA WATOTO NJITI

 NAFASI YA MWANAUME KATIKA KULEA WATOTO NJITI

·     Malezi ya Kangaroo yanahitaji wanaume kushiriki

·     Baadhi ya wanaume hulazimika kufunga biashara, kulea

·     Likizo ya uzazi kwa wanaume yashauriwa

Deogratius Temba, Mwandishi wa makala hii akizungumza na Ndugu Mohamed, wakati wa mahojiano maalum

Na Deogratius Temba

Serikali ya Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, ipo katika mchakato wa kufanya marakebisho kwenye sheria kuu ya Ajira  na mahusiano Kazini, sura ya 366, ambapo moja ya kifungu cha sheria hiyo kinachofanyiwa marakabisho ni pamoja na kuongezwa kwa muda wa likizo kwa wanawake wanaojifungua watoto njiti.

Kifungu kinaeleza kwamba Mama aliyezaa motot njiti ataendelea kuwa likizo yenye malipo hadi zitimie wiki ya 36 ya ujauzito na baadaye aendelee na likizo yake ya uzazi kama kawaida.

Katika mswada huo, marakabisho yanafanyika kwenye sheria ya msingi ya awali kwamba: Kifungu cha 33 cha muswada kinaeleza kwamba “  Sheria inarekebishwa katika kifungu cha 33 kwa- (a) kuongeza mara moja baada ya kifungu kidogo (7) yafuatayo: "(8) Mfanyakazi anayezaa mtoto kabla ya muda wake ana haki ya likizo ya uzazi iliyolipwa kuanzia tarehe ya kujifungua hadi kukamilika kwa wiki thelathini na sita za ujauzito na hadi kipindi cha likizo ya uzazi kilichotolewa chini ya kifungu kidogo (6) katika mzunguko wa likizo.";

Inaelezwa kwamba, lengo la marekebisho haya ya sheria, sio upendeleo tu kwa wanawake, bali inalenga kulinda ustawi wa afya za watoto wanaozaliwa kabla ya wakati na kuhitaji muda wa kutosha wa aungalizi wa mama na Baba.  Mtandao wa Haki ya Afya ya Uzazi (SRHR), unaoratibiwa na Mfuko wa Wanawake Tanzania (WFT-T) wanapendekeza kuwepo kwa likizo ya kutosha ili kuhakikisha kwamba wanawake na wanaume wanapata nafasi ya kumlea mtoto njiti bila tatizo.

Mtandao wa Haki ya Afya ya Uzazi, wakiongozwa na shirika la Doris Moleli Foundation, Shirikisho la vyama vya Wafanyakazi (TUCTA),  chini ya usimamizi wa WFT-T wanasema kwamba, ili kuongeza tija katika uzalishaji mali nchini na kujenga taifa la wetu wenye afya njema na nguvu kazi ya baadaye ni lazima kulinda afya na ukuaji wa watoto njiti.

“Kifungu kina tija kwa wafanyakazi waliojifungua kabla ya muda ili kuruhusu mzazi kuhudumia mtoto kwa ukaribu ili atengemee isipokua siku zilizotajwa hapo ziongezeke kutoka wiki 36 mpaka wiki 40 kwa sababu za Kiafya hasa makuzi ya mtoto” linasema moja ya pendekezo la Mtandao huo kwa kamati ya Kudumu ya Bunge ya Huduma za Jamii waliowasilisha kuhusu muswada huo.  Mtandao wa SHRSR, TUCTA na wengine wanapendekeza kwamba  likizo ya malipo ya wiki za kabla ya kujifungua ambazo mama angekuwa hajajifungua ziongezeke hadi wiki 40 kwasababu wanawake wengi hujifungua kati ya wiki ya 36 hadi 40 na ndipo ianze likizo rasmi ya uzazi.

Likizo inayopendekezwa ni kwa wanawake (Mama anayejifungua) na mume wake kwasababu za msingi ambazo ni kwamba, mtoto njiti anahitaji malezi ya pande zote na pia Mama aliyejifungua anahitaji usaidizi wa mwenza wake wakati huu.

Kwa mujibu wa sheria kuu ya ajira na mahusiano kazini nchini Tanzania, sura ya 366, vifungu 33  na 34 vinavyozungumzia likizo za watumishi, hakuna kabisa suala la likizo ya mama anayejifungua mtoto njiti, lakini kutokana na marekebisho haya yam waka 2025, kwa mara ya kwanza Tanzania itakuwa imegusia suala la mtoto njiti kwenye sheria.

Kifungu cha 34 cha sheria n ahata kwenye muswada,  hakielezi kuhusu likizo ya uzazi kwa wanaume ambao wenza wao wanajifungua watoto njiti, hii inamkosesha baba nafasi ya kushiriki katika kumhudumia mtoto wake au  kumsaidia mwenza wake jukumu ya akulea.

Jambo la msingi la la kiafya kwa mtoto aliyezaliwa Njiti, ni kutunzwa kwa mfumo wa Kangaroo, ambao unamuhitaji mama kumweka mtoto kifuani muda wote ilia pate joto la mwili badala ya kutumia mashine ambazo ni gharama kubwa katika hospitali. Mama anayejifungua mtoto njiti anaweza kuruhusiwa kutoka hospitalini mapema na akakaa nyumbani na mtoto wake endapo atakuwa na usaidizi wa Baba wa mtoto katika kumsaidia kumweka mtoto kifuani (Kangaroo).

Utaratibu wa Kangaroo ulipendekezwa kwa mara ya kwanza mwaka wa 1978 na madaktari wa watoto wawili katika kitengo cha uzazi katika Hospitali ya San Juan de Dio huko Bogotá, Colombia. Leo hata Shirika la Afya Duniani (WHO) linasema njia hii ni bora zaidi.

Mohamed Saleh, ni Mume wa Dada Saada Nassor Mohamed, wakazi wa Dar es salaam nchini Tanzania ambaye amezaa watoto wawili (2)  kabla ya muda (njiti), Mohamed analeza jinsi avyowajibika kumsaidia mke wake katika malezi ya mtoto njiti ili kukoa maisha ya mtoto  lakini pia kupunguza gharama ambazo zingelipwa hosipitalini.

“tulipitia kwenye kipindi kigumu kwa babu tulipata mtoto njiti,gharama za Hopsitali zilikuwa kubwa, matunzo ya mtoto wodini ni Zaidi ya shilingi  200,000 kwa siku, lakini tulishauriwa kuondoka Hospitalini na tukatumia mfumo huu wa kangaroo, ambapo Mimi kama (Baba) nililazimika kusaidia mke wangu kumweka mtoto kifuani ilia pate joto”

Wakati mke wangu anajifungua hawa watoto Njiti, hasa huyu wa mwisho, nilitoa muda wangu mwingi, ilinilazimu kufunga biashara ili nikae nyumbani kumsaidia mke wangu kumtunza mtoto. Wakati tunaruhusiwa kutoka Hospitalini tulipewa masharti endapo tunataka mtoto apone, basi, asishikwe na mtu mwingine yeyote isipiokuwa mimi na Mama. Niliamua, ili mtoto apone na kukua, ni lazima nitumie muda huo kumlinda na kumtunza kwa kuzingatia masharti ya kulea mtoto njiti” anasema Mohamed

“ mfumo wa Malezi ya Kangaroo, una gharama kubwa, nililazimika kuacha kazi kwa miezi 4, nikafunga biashara zangu ili nipate muda wa kumlea mtoto apate joto na kukua”  anaongeza Mohamed.

Mohamed anawaasa wanaume wote kuwa karibu na wenza wao hasa wakati wa ujauzito, kuhakikisha malezi ya mimba ni ya wote, lakini pia wanawake wanapo zaa watoto njiti wasitengwe au kufanyiwa ukatili au kutelekezwa. “Nafasi ya Baba ni muhimu sana ili kuwa na mtoto mzuri mwenye afya njema. Mwanaume akishiriki kumtunza mtoto ataokoa gharama za matibabu, kwasababu mtoto hatapatwa na maambukizi” anaongeza Muhamed

Kwa upande wa Bi. Saada Nassor Mohamed, akizungumzia mchango wa Mume wake  wakati alipojifungua mtoto njiti anasema “ nilipojifungua mtoto njiti, kwanza sikuamini, nilipoona mtoto hana hata  umbo nzuri, nilistuka sana, nikamwambia daktari kwamba amenibadilishia mtoto, nilimuita mume wangu na kumweleza. Lakini alipofika alinitia moyo, alikaa na Daktari wakaelewana wakaniweka vizuri. Mume wangu tangu siku hiyo hakuniacha mbali, aliacha shughuli zake, akaanza kunisaidia katika malenzi ya Kangaroo, Nimeona mchango mkubwa sana wa Mume wangu” anasema Bi. Saada.

Kwa upande wake Mkurugrenzi Mtendaji wa Mfuko wa Wanawake (WFT-T) Tanzania, Bi. Rose Marandu, anasema kwamba changamoto ya uzazi wa kabla au kuzaa mtoto njiti  ni kubwa,  na linahitaji kuwekewa kipaumbele na serikali katika kutenga rasilimali fedha ili kuboresha huduma za afya, kuweka fedha kwaajili ya kuboresha huduma kwenye zahanati na vituo vya afya vijijini ili kuwezesha wanawake masikini wa vijijini kutokuhangaika kusaifiri mbali kufuata huduma katika hospitali kubwa.

Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa Taasisi ya Doris Moleli, Foundation, Bi. Doris Moleli anasema kwamba, yeye alizaliwa mtoto njiti na kwa jinsi alivyoona changamoto wanazokumbana nazo wanawake wanaozaa watoto njiti, ameamua kujikita katika kupigania haki na kuteteza huduma za afya hasa kwa uzazi wa watoto njiti ziboreshwe.

Sizya Puya ni Mama wa watoto Njiti, ambapo kila uzazi aliopitia alipata mtoto njiti, na ameweza kulea  vizuri kwa kuzingatia masharti ya kulea na watoto wake wana afya njema na wanaendeela na masomo.

Sizya anaeleza kwamba, nafasi ya Mzazi wa kiume ni muhimu sana, kwa kuzingatia mahitaji ya kumelea mtoto njiti ni makubwa. “kuna suala la rasilimali fedha, inahitaji fedha kuanzia nyumbani kuboresha mazingira na usafi wa kila kitu, lakini gharama za matibabu, dawa, sindano, usafiri wa kwenda hospitalini na kurudi, lakini pia usaidizi wa nyumbani hasa mama anapokuwa anashinda ya kiafya kama maumivu ya mgongo, Baba atahitajika kumsaidia kumbeba mtoto” anaeleza Sizya.

Doris anasema kwamba “…Imetokea mara kadhaa wanawake wana acha kazi au kuachishwa kutokana na uzazi, mwaka 2017 tulianzisha hii agenda ya kuomba serikali iongeze siku za uzazi kwa mama anayejifungua mtoto njiti, mwaka  2018 tulishawishi wizara iongeze siku za likizo ya uzazi kwa  wanaume, lakini haikufanikiwa. Mwaka 2019, tuliamua kuunganisha nguvu kwa kiasi kikubwa na wadau wengine wengi Zaidi.  Baadaye WFT-T ilitusaidia kuunganisha nguvu na kuunda Mtandao wa SRHR ambapo tulipata  nafasi ya kuwa na sauti ya pamoja katika kupigania haki za wanawake na sasa tumefikia mafanikio ya kupata kifungu cha sheria.

GIT, Sauti ya Jamii empowering Communities with Sustainable Energy

 GIT, Sauti ya Jamii empowering Communities with Sustainable Energy

By Deogratius Temba

Global Impact Transformation (GIT) recently held a workshop in Kipunguni, Dar es Salaam, teaching 66 people, including women, men, children, and people with disabilities, how to make alternative charcoal. This eco-friendly fuel helps reduce deforestation and promotes sustainable living, aligning with the UN's climate action goals (SDG 13) and contributing to gender equality (SDG 5) by empowering women economically.

Fatma Abdulrahman, Chairperson of Sauti ya Jamii-Kipunguni, emphasized the importance of community-driven solutions for environmental conservation and economic empowerment. "This workshop is more than just an environmental effort; it is about giving our communities the tools they need to create a better, more sustainable future," she stated.

Humphrey Evarist Ottaru, Coordinator from GIT, explained that alternative charcoal is a "game-changer" because it reduces the need to cut down trees, provides affordable energy, and creates economic opportunities.

Participants learned two methods of making alternative charcoal: one using rotten poultry food and another using cardboard boxes. They mixed materials like clay, cassava porridge, and water to create charcoal briquettes. Before the workshop, 97% of the attendees had never heard of alternative charcoal, showing how important this educational initiative is.

The workshop also highlighted the economic benefits of alternative charcoal, presenting it as a potential business opportunity. One facilitator noted, "For women, this project is a breakthrough in fighting poverty. It enables them to produce and sell an affordable fuel source while reducing the time spent collecting firewood, which is often an unpaid burden on them."

GIT plans to continue these workshops, build more partnerships, and advocate for policies that support the use of alternative energy.

Martha Nghambi, the Executive Director of GIT, emphasized the organization's focus on environment, sustainable energy, clean energy such as alternative charcoal production, and climate change, particularly as it relates to empowering women, children, and persons with disabilities. As she explained, " "At GIT, we believe that addressing climate change and promoting sustainable energy solutions go hand-in-hand with empowering women, children, and persons with disabilities. Our work with alternative charcoal production is a prime example. It protects our environment and creates economic opportunities, particularly for women, allowing them to become agents of change in their communities. In providing access to clean energy and sustainable livelihoods, we're building a more resilient and equitable future for everyone." - Martha Nghambi, Executive Director, Global Impact Transformation (GIT)

GIT, PPE Lead the Way in GBV Awareness

 GIT, PPE Lead the Way in GBV Awareness

By Our Reporter

Deogratius Temba

Positive Peace Ethiopia (PPE) and Global Impact Transformation (GIT) held an important Gender-Based Violence (GBV) awareness session at Vision Academy Elementary School. The session was part of a broader commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. It also aligned with the African Union’s commitment to addressing gender-based violence as part of its Agenda 2063 for peace and prosperity in Africa.

 

The initiative aimed to educate the school community, including students and staff, on the various forms of GBV and how to effectively prevent and report such incidents. The session was designed to foster a safer and more respectful school environment by engaging everyone in crucial discussions about the long-term sustainability of the program.

 

A preliminary meeting was held with the school’s principal, Ato Biniyam, where he expressed his commitment to the initiative. "This program is vital in creating a safe space for our students," Ato Biniyam stated. "I will discuss its continuation with our higher administration to ensure its lasting impact." He further assured the facilitators that feedback would be provided during a follow-up meeting, highlighting his dedication to ensuring the program's success.

 

The GBV awareness session was led by Femihot Bogale, an experienced facilitator, with training coordinated by Chalachew Worku, Founding CEO of PPE. The session was interactive, with participants learning about the different forms of GBV, including physical, verbal, and emotional abuse, as well as cyberbullying. Prevention strategies such as promoting respect and empathy were emphasized, along with the importance of timely reporting of incidents.

 

“Students and teachers must collectively contribute to preventing GBV,” said Femihot Bogale. “Education is the most powerful tool in combating gender-based violence, and through initiatives like this, we can create a culture of respect and accountability.”

 

GIT’s commitment to peacebuilding and tackling GBV as part of its broader efforts to create peaceful and inclusive societies was reinforced throughout the session. This initiative supports GIT’s mission of fostering community resilience and promoting gender justice. As part of its ongoing commitment, GIT will continue to collaborate with schools and other local organizations to provide training and resources on preventing GBV and supporting victims.

 

The GBV awareness session at Vision Academy Elementary School marked a successful step toward fostering a safer environment for both students and staff. The active participation and commitment from all involved parties, especially Principal Ato Biniyam, ensure the program’s potential for long-term success. PPE and GIT look forward to continuing their partnership with the school to promote ongoing awareness and action against gender-based violence, in line with global, regional, and local commitments to gender equality and peacebuilding.