President Samia Suluhu Hassan: A challenge or setback to gender advocacy?
When Samia Suluhu Hassan assumed the presidency as Tanzania’s first woman head of state, her ascent was celebrated across the continent and internationally as a landmark moment for women in political leadership. The elevation of a Muslim woman to the nation’s highest office—within a society long shaped by entrenched patriarchal norms—was heralded as a profound emblem of progress and a hopeful signal for greater gender equity in governance.
Yet, the initial optimism that accompanied her rise has gradually shifted to concern and disillusionment. Recent political shifts within Tanzania have cast doubt on President Samia’s dedication to democratic principles, broad-based inclusion, and the very ideals that once defined her historic breakthrough.
A Constricting Democratic Landscape
In the months leading up to the general elections, Tanzania found itself gripped by an atmosphere of intimidation and suppression. Accounts of opposition figures being detained and reports of fatalities created a grim and unsettling political climate. Government-enforced curfews, coupled with limitations on internet connectivity, further muted dissenting voices and severely hindered the free circulation of information.
Not withstanding these unsettling events, President Samia described the election as “free and transparent” during her swearing-in ceremony, even as she acknowledged that the demonstrations had resulted in loss of life. She attributed the turmoil to external meddling rather than acknowledging excessive force or failures within state institutions.
Her claims, however, were sharply at odds with independent assessments. Both the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) concluded that the polls fell short of international democratic benchmarks, highlighting widespread intimidation, ballot manipulation, and deep-seated procedural flaws.
The opposition Party for Democracy and Development (Chadema) rejected the election outcome, describing it as “entirely fabricated.” According to political observers, the governing Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) allegedly leveraged state institutions to systematically sideline any credible challengers.
Several prominent opposition figures were prevented from participating in the race. Tundu Lissu, a leading opposition voice, was taken into custody on treason accusations that he firmly refutes, while Luhaga Mpina’s candidacy was nullified on procedural technicalities.
The BBC further notes that Tanzanian courts have charged no fewer than 240 individuals with treason in the aftermath of the violent election-related demonstrations. Although President Samia Suluhu Hassan was proclaimed the victor with an overwhelming 98 percent of the vote, the opposition—having been excluded from the contest—condemned the election as “a complete travesty.”
In a subsequent development, Al Jazeera reported on Tuesday, November 11, that Tanzanian authorities had released a number of detained senior opposition members. Four high-ranking Chadema officials, arrested for their alleged involvement in the protests, were granted bail on Monday.
A Treachery of Women’s Aspirations
President Samia’s ascent was celebrated not merely as a change in leadership but as a symbolic triumph for women across the continent. Many anticipated that her tenure would reflect empathy, broad inclusion, and meaningful reform. Instead, her government’s crackdown on dissent, widespread detentions, and interference in the democratic process have cast her administration in a deeply troubling light.
Securing 98 percent of the vote in an election overshadowed by intimidation and glaring irregularities has only intensified doubts surrounding her mandate. Her subsequent “re-election” ceremony—conducted at a military parade ground in Dodoma and closed off to ordinary citizens—was viewed by many not as a democratic affirmation, but as a staged coronation.
These measures have sparked widespread discussion, raising concerns not only about the state of democracy in Tanzania but also about the broader implications for women in leadership. Detractors contend that her authoritarian approach has unintentionally reinforced conservative viewpoints that doubt women’s capacity to hold top positions—a regrettable blow to gender equality efforts across Africa.
Yet this issue requires careful consideration. Can the shortcomings of a single leader serve as a measure of all women in power? Clearly, the answer is no. Leadership should be evaluated based on individual competence and performance, rather than gender.
Gaining insights from Women Who Lead with Vision
History is replete with examples of women who have wielded authority with integrity and effectiveness.
Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, famously known as the “Iron Lady,” exemplified resolute leadership while guiding the United Kingdom through a period of economic upheaval. Though her 1980s policies were often contentious, they played a significant role in restoring Britain’s global economic standing.
In Ghana, Abena Osei-Asare, Member of Parliament for Atiwa East and Chairperson of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, has emerged as a benchmark for transparency and fiscal responsibility. Under her stewardship, the committee has uncovered irregularities in government spending and facilitated the recovery of public funds for the nation.
Correspondingly , Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s first female Prime Minister, has been hailed for her expedient governance. Her focus on fiscal prudence and economic stability has led to a credit rating boost for Italy, lower budget deficits, and reduced unemployment.
These examples remind the world that women can lead decisively and ethically.
The Duty of Women in Leadership
The journey toward women’s political representation has been long and fraught with challenges. Every woman who attains a position of authority stands on the foundation laid by generations who fought tirelessly for recognition, equality, and the right to lead. It is therefore imperative that female leaders recognize that their actions not only define their personal legacy but also influence society’s broader perception of women’s leadership.
Women in positions of power should keep in mind:
- Your leadership creates opportunities for others. Every choice you make shapes public perceptions of women’s competence and capability to govern.
- Do not betray the trust placed in you. Leadership is a responsibility granted through confidence and credibility, not a tool to dominate or silence others.
- Lead with compassion and accountability. Women are often natural nurturers and community builders; authority should amplify these qualities, not suppress them.
Upon consideration , President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s ascent initially symbolized progress, yet her administration’s approach to opposition, democratic norms, and dissent presents a more nuanced reality—one that complicates the narrative of women’s empowerment her rise once represented.
Nevertheless, her missteps should not be used to undermine women’s political participation. The lesson is not to restrict women from power but to demand higher standards of leadership from all, regardless of gender. True gender advocacy seeks not merely to place women in positions of authority but to ensure that they wield that power to effect meaningful and positive change.
Source: Juliana Odame Asare