Empowering Voices, Inspiring Change: UDSM Marks International Women’s Day with Powerful Call for Equality and Leadership
By Zamda George, CMU
The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) marked International Women’s Day 2026 with a vibrant and inspiring celebration that brought together staff, students, and partners to reaffirm the importance of women’s leadership, equality, and collective action in building a more inclusive society.
Held at the University Library Auditorium on 5th March, 2026, the event created a dynamic platform for reflection, dialogue, and celebration of the achievements and contributions of women within the University community and beyond.
The gathering blended thought-provoking discussions with moments of cultural expression and solidarity, highlighting the University’s commitment to advancing gender equality through education, research, and institutional leadership.
Serving as Guest of Honour, Prof. Bernardeta Killian, Deputy Vice Chancellor – Planning, Finance and Administration, underscored the critical role of women in leadership and decision-making processes across society.
She emphasized that inclusive leadership, where women and men collaborate as equal partners, strengthens institutions and promotes balanced and sustainable development.
“Empowering women to participate meaningfully in leadership and decision-making is essential for building a just, progressive, and inclusive society,” she said.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nelson Boniface, Deputy Vice Chancellor – Research, reaffirmed the University’s long-standing commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women through higher education.
He highlighted encouraging progress made in expanding access to university education for women, noting that female students now constitute 52 percent of UDSM’s graduates – a milestone reflecting the institution’s sustained efforts to promote equal opportunities and academic advancement for women.
Collective action in advancing gender equality
Earlier, Dr. Sarah Kisanga, Director of the Institute of Gender Studies, University of Dar es Salaam, stressed the importance of collective action in advancing gender equality both within universities and across society.
She called on higher learning institutions to continue leading by example through inclusive policies, research initiatives, and programmes that empower women and girls.
The celebration featured a series of insightful keynote presentations that sparked thoughtful dialogue on leadership, social responsibility, and the role of institutions and families in shaping equitable societies.
The first keynote presentation was delivered by Prof. Linda Mhando, Senior Researcher at the Economic and Social Research Foundation and Professor at Pennsylvania State University. Her presentation focused on the importance of strengthening women’s leadership in national decision-making processes as a pathway to justice, equality, and sustainable development.
She emphasized that expanding women’s participation in governance and policy processes is essential for achieving inclusive development and shaping the nation’s long-term vision.
The second presentation was delivered by Deogratius Sukambi, Founder and Executive Director of the Wazesha Jamii Organization, who addressed the role of families and communities in nurturing responsible future generations.
He highlighted the importance of raising boys with strong values, responsibility, and respect, noting that achieving gender equality requires cultivating a generation of men who actively support justice, dignity, and equal opportunity.
The final presentation was delivered by Dr. Lulu Mahai, Director of Social Services and former Director of the Institute of Gender Studies at UDSM. Her presentation emphasized the need for stronger institutional mechanisms, awareness campaigns, and community engagement to combat gender-based violence and promote dignity, safety, and justice for all members of society.
Recognising leadership and commitment
A highlight of the celebration was the recognition of individuals whose dedication and leadership have significantly contributed to advancing gender equality and strengthening the University community.
Among those honoured was Ms. Hilda Kinanga, Director of Human Resource Management and Administration, in recognition of her commitment to strengthening human resource systems and supporting inclusive institutional development.
The University also congratulated Prof. Rose Upor on her recent appointment as Deputy Vice Chancellor – Academic, acknowledging her achievement and continued contribution to academic leadership at UDSM.
In addition, the University community presented a token of appreciation to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. William A. L. Anangisye, in recognition of his strong commitment to supporting female staff and students through strategic initiatives and affirmative actions that promote women’s advancement within the institution.
Dr. Lulu Mahai was also recognized for her impactful service during her tenure as Director of the Institute of Gender Studies and for her continued dedication to advancing gender equality initiatives at the University.
The celebration further honoured Prof. Bernardeta Killian for her distinguished leadership and unwavering commitment to fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for both female and male staff and students at the University.
A celebration of unity and shared purpose
Beyond the discussions and recognitions, the event unfolded in a lively display of unity, culture, and community spirit. Women from across the University proudly wore colourful traditional attire, filling the auditorium with vibrant energy and a strong sense of solidarity.
Music, moments of dance, and warm interactions among colleagues added a celebratory atmosphere that reflected the spirit of empowerment and shared purpose.
Delivering closing remarks, Ms. Hilda Kinanga expressed appreciation to all individuals and offices that contributed to the successful organization of the event.
She commended the speakers for their insightful presentations and participants for their active engagement, noting that such gatherings strengthen collective commitment to advancing gender equality.
In this celebration, one message resonated strongly across the auditorium: at the University of Dar es Salaam, the voices, leadership, and aspirations of women remain central to shaping a more inclusive, equitable, and progressive future.