Latest news with #UNWomen
Zawya
11 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Powering Women's Economic Transformation in Tanzania
In Kigoma, Tanzania, where over 80 per cent of livelihoods rely on small-scale farming, fishing, and informal trade, women constitute the majority of the agricultural workforce and are the backbone of the region's economy. However, in an increasingly digital economy, limited digital literacy remains a major barrier to unlocking women's full economic potential, with many women in the region lacking the necessary skills to use mobile platforms, digital financial services, or online marketplaces, impeding the growth and formalization of women-led businesses. Amid these challenges, women like Chichi Ramadhani Kamandwa are increasingly harnessing digital tools to grow their businesses. A 39-year-old mother of three and a determined entrepreneur living in Kigoma town, Kamandwa runs a small-scale agro-processing business specializing in the milling and packaging of maize, cassava, and nutrient-rich flours. In 2024, she participated in a Digital Literacy and Branding workshop organized by UN Women to equip women entrepreneurs in the region with practical skills to expand their businesses and access wider markets through digital platforms. The initiative formed part of the second phase of the UN Kigoma Joint Programme (KJP II) - a collaborative effort of 17 UN agencies working with local authorities and communities to advance development and human security in Kigoma - and engaged beneficiaries of UN Women's "Binti Dijitali" African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI), who facilitated sessions with hands-on technical expertise and peer-led guidance. 'Before the training, I only used my phone for calls and taking pictures. I didn't know it could be a marketing tool for my business, helping me showcase my products online, reach more customers, and improve my record-keeping,' said Kamandwa. With the skills she has acquired, Chichi is now transforming her business. 'I learned how to create product labels, list ingredients and registration numbers to build customer trust, and package my products attractively,' said Kamandwa, adding that the most beneficial change she made was improving my packaging. 'I realized how much the look of a product matters. After updating my logo and labels and switching to better-quality packaging, my sales increased significantly, because customers had more confidence in my brand,' she explains. Kamandwa also began using accessible platforms such as WhatsApp to reach new customers, advertise her products, and receive orders. In Kigoma, many women entrepreneurs navigate complex social and economic realities. Alongside their business efforts, they often carry the primary responsibility for household care and income generation, frequently without consistent support from partners. 'Once a woman begins to earn, she is often left to shoulder everything alone,' Kamadwa explains. 'Some men leave for work in other towns, return only briefly, and then leave again, while the woman is left behind to care for the children, run the household, and manage her business on her own.' Additionally, limited access to financial services or reliable support systems leaves women vulnerable to unfair treatment or exploitative arrangements, particularly when trying to access markets or services. 'When you lack information or tools, people take advantage of you,' says Kamandwa. Through strategic partnerships with local government authorities, trade officers, mobile service providers, and private sector actors, UN Women, under KJP II, is working to create an inclusive and enabling business environment for women and youth. 'Initiatives such as the digital literacy workshop aim to strengthen the capacity of women-led enterprises to adopt innovative, market-driven practices, build resilience, and transition into formal markets for sustainable growth,' says Ms. Lilian Mwamdanga, UN Women Specialist for Women's Economic Empowerment. According to Kamandwa, the benefits of workshops like these extend well beyond the knowledge they gain. They create opportunities for women to connect with peers, share experiences, and establish lasting support networks. 'We have even formed small groups to support and uplift one another,' she shares. 'I have also started teaching other women how to use their phones for business. It might seem like a small thing, but it can really transform how we work and sell.' The use of digital platforms has also empowered women like Kamandwa to manage their sales independently, reducing reliance on informal and often unreliable intermediaries. With increased visibility and growing sales, Kamandwa has expanded her inventory and begun selling her products in bulk. She also hopes to continue mentoring others and to start providing training for young women interested in business, so they too can build a future of their own. 'If I can do this, I believe other women can too. We just need the right support and a chance to grow,' she says. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women - Africa.
Zawya
14 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Powering Women's Economic Transformation in Kigoma
In Kigoma, Tanzania, where over 80 per cent of livelihoods rely on small-scale farming, fishing, and informal trade, women constitute the majority of the agricultural workforce and are the backbone of the region's economy. However, in an increasingly digital economy, limited digital literacy remains a major barrier to unlocking women's full economic potential, with many women in the region lacking the necessary skills to use mobile platforms, digital financial services, or online marketplaces, impeding the growth and formalization of women-led businesses. Amid these challenges, women like Chichi Ramadhani Kamandwa are increasingly harnessing digital tools to grow their businesses. A 39-year-old mother of three and a determined entrepreneur living in Kigoma town, Kamandwa runs a small-scale agro-processing business specializing in the milling and packaging of maize, cassava, and nutrient-rich flours. In 2024, she participated in a Digital Literacy and Branding workshop organized by UN Women to equip women entrepreneurs in the region with practical skills to expand their businesses and access wider markets through digital platforms. The initiative formed part of the second phase of the UN Kigoma Joint Programme (KJP II) - a collaborative effort of 17 UN agencies working with local authorities and communities to advance development and human security in Kigoma - and engaged beneficiaries of UN Women's African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI), who facilitated sessions with hands-on technical expertise and peer-led guidance. 'Before the training, I only used my phone for calls and taking pictures. I didn't know it could be a marketing tool for my business, helping me showcase my products online, reach more customers, and improve my record-keeping,' said Kamandwa. With the skills she has acquired, Chichi is now transforming her business. 'I learned how to create product labels, list ingredients and registration numbers to build customer trust, and package my products attractively,' said Kamandwa, adding that the most beneficial change she made was improving my packaging. 'I realized how much the look of a product matters. After updating my logo and labels and switching to better-quality packaging, my sales increased significantly, because customers had more confidence in my brand,' she explains. Kamandwa also began using accessible platforms such as WhatsApp to reach new customers, advertise her products, and receive orders. In Kigoma, many women entrepreneurs navigate complex social and economic realities. Alongside their business efforts, they often carry the primary responsibility for household care and income generation, frequently without consistent support from partners. 'Once a woman begins to earn, she is often left to shoulder everything alone,' Kamadwa explains. 'Some men leave for work in other towns, return only briefly, and then leave again, while the woman is left behind to care for the children, run the household, and manage her business on her own.' Additionally, limited access to financial services or reliable support systems leaves women vulnerable to unfair treatment or exploitative arrangements, particularly when trying to access markets or services. 'When you lack information or tools, people take advantage of you,' says Kamandwa. Through strategic partnerships with local government authorities, trade officers, mobile service providers, and private sector actors, UN Women, under KJP II, is working to create an inclusive and enabling business environment for women and youth. 'Initiatives such as the digital literacy workshop aim to strengthen the capacity of women-led enterprises to adopt innovative, market-driven practices, build resilience, and transition into formal markets for sustainable growth,' says Ms. Lilian Mwamdanga, UN Women Specialist for Women's Economic Empowerment. According to Kamandwa, the benefits of workshops like these extend well beyond the knowledge they gain. They create opportunities for women to connect with peers, share experiences, and establish lasting support networks. 'We have even formed small groups to support and uplift one another,' she shares. 'I have also started teaching other women how to use their phones for business. It might seem like a small thing, but it can really transform how we work and sell.' The use of digital platforms has also empowered women like Kamandwa to manage their sales independently, reducing reliance on informal and often unreliable intermediaries. With increased visibility and growing sales, Kamandwa has expanded her inventory and begun selling her products in bulk. She also hopes to continue mentoring others and to start providing training for young women interested in business, so they too can build a future of their own. 'If I can do this, I believe other women can too. We just need the right support and a chance to grow,' she says. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women - Africa.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Inside the tense moment Meghan Markle made a swift exit from a UN Women event
Seven years on from Meghan Markle 's curt exit from an event in Fiji, one question remains unanswered: why did she leave so early? In October 2018 a clip emerged on social media of the Duchess leaving after just eight minutes. She was due to make a 20-minute visit to the market in Suva, the Fijian capital, to see the work of Markets for Change – a project run by UN Women. The engagement marked day nine of Prince Harry and Meghan's 16-day Commonwealth tour, and was the first full day in the country's capital. The Duke and Duchess had earlier visited the University of South Pacific campus, and Harry unveiled The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy Project and laid a wreath at the Fiji War Memorial. Rumours began to swirl that the Duchess, who had announced her pregnancy at the beginning of the trip, had become unwell due to the heat and humidity. Kensington Palace initially said this was due to 'uncomfortable conditions' but later added that the visit was cut short 'due to crowd management issues'. The market was busy with people, and apparently the crowds were greater than expected. Crowds had gathered outside the market to greet the royal guests, with locals singing songs and children waving flags Meghan was seen whispering to her aides moments before she was whisked away by her bodyguards from the busy marketplace. Footage of the event shows the pregnant Duchess smiling as she is escorted to her waiting vehicle. Crowds had gathered outside the market to greet the royal guests, with locals singing songs and children waving flags. Emily Andrews, The Mail on Sunday's royal editor, was among the members of the press present at the time. She said: 'Many ladies that were told they were going to meet Meghan didn't and voiced their disappointment afterwards.' One onlooker reportedly said Meghan appeared to 'look concerned' before entering and 'looked really disengaged, not her usual self at all'. They told the Mirror: 'She stopped to speak to a pineapple seller on one of the stalls and had a very blank and disengaged look on her face, which is very unlike her. 'It was very hot and humid in there so perhaps it wasn't the best environment for a pregnant woman. 'After speaking for about a minute she broke off and spoke to the same aide again before she was whisked out of the market very soon after.' But in a revised version of his book Battle of Brothers, royal biographer Robert Lacey suggested that the real reason Meghan left so soon was due to the involvement of UN Women. In 2015, before she was dating Prince Harry, Meghan gave a keynote address on gender equality for UN Women in New York. Then an actress in the US legal drama Suits, she received a standing ovation from guests including Ban Ki-moon, then UN secretary-general. Lacey wrote: 'Meghan had rubbed shoulders with the likes of Hillary Clinton and might have hoped to join UN Women's distinguished roster of goodwill ambassadors that included celebrities such as Nicole Kidman and Emma Watson. 'But in those pre-Harry days UN Women only assigned the cable actress the lesser role of advocate.' Suggesting that Meghan's swift exit years later was down to what she'd seen as a snub, Lacey quotes a Los Angeles screenwriter who told him: 'Meghan does not cope well with what she perceives as rejection. 'She's nice and smiley as can be until you step in her way or don't give her what she hopes for. Then she can be remorseless – heaven help you!' At the time, an aide said of her early departure: 'It was hot, humid and uncomfortably busy and there were far larger crowds than expected.' However, a source told The Times that her decision to leave was down to UN Women – and that Meghan had only agreed to visit the market if there was no branding for the organisation. Lawyers for the Duchess denied she had left because of the organisation and said she met with other leaders from UN Women later in the tour. After the event it emerged that a reporter who was on the trip saw Meghan 'turn and 'hiss' at a member of her entourage, clearly incandescent with rage about something, and demand to leave'. They wrote: 'I later saw that same – female – highly distressed member of staff sitting in an official car, with tears running down her face. Our eyes met and she lowered hers, humiliation etched on her features. 'At the time I was unable to document anything as I couldn't conclusively link the two incidents together, despite my suspicions. I have subsequently found out from other sources that my instincts were right.' A source told The Times that her decision to leave was down to UN Women – and that Meghan had only agreed to visit the market if there was no branding for the organisation This was not the only controversial moment from their royal visit. Meghan's half-sister, Samantha Markle, branded her sister a 'liar' after she gave a speech about the difficulties of paying to go to university – saying their father paid for her tuition. Meghan gave her first speech as a member of the royal family at the University of the South Pacific's Suva campus in Fiji on October 24, 2018. She discussed the challenges of funding further education, saying she relied on 'scholarships and financial aid programmes' to get through her university degree. But her sister quickly took to Twitter to brand her 'delusional' and a 'liar', saying she 'missed out a very important detail' in her speech. The Duchess was also criticised for wearing a hat during a traditional Fijian welcome ceremony where removing headwear is seen as a sign of respect. While royal observers have speculated on why Meghan left the event so early, the Duchess' commitment to human rights and gender equality have remained a heavy focus of her work. According to the Sussexes' website, this includes her 2022 Archetypes podcast which 'explores the labels that hold women back'. In 2016 she became a global ambassador for the charity World Vision, advocating for vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. And Meghan continues to serve as an Advocate for Political Participation and Leadership for UN Women, a role which she has held since 2014. While she stepped back from some other charitable roles following her engagement to Harry, she remains an advocate for UN Women's work. During her time as a working royal Meghan was criticised for voicing her political beliefs, such as during the inaugural Royal Foundation Forum as she touched on the Time's Up and #MeToo.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
United Nations (UN) Women Executive Board lauds progressive gender equality and women's empowerment work in Zimbabwe
UN Women Executive Board's visit to Zimbabwe from 4-10 May 2025 marked a pivotal moment in the country's ongoing efforts to advance gender equality and women's empowerment. The visit, led by H.E. Ms. Nicola Clase, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sweden to the United Nations and President of the UN Women Executive Board, provided an opportunity to showcase the impact of UN Women's programming in the country while strengthening strategic partnerships with key stakeholders. "I note the strong legal frameworks for gender equality and women's empowerment,'acknowledged Ambassador Nicola Clase, President of the UN Women Executive Board. 'We encourage the government and partners to focus on the effective implementation of these laws.' High-Level Engagements Throughout the week, the delegation engaged with government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, the private sector, and women's rights organizations to deepen collaboration and assess progress on gender-responsive policies and initiatives. In a productive meeting with the country's president , H.E Emmerson Mnangagwa, there was reaffirmation of Zimbabwe's commitment to gender equality. "We believe gender equality is not only a fundamental right, but also a necessity for national growth. Zimbabwe remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering women and girls,' assured President Mnangagwa. The delegation also met Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, and Small and Medium Enterprises Development. She highlighted the government's ongoing initiatives saying,"Zimbabwe has made significant strides in advancing women's rights, and will continue to strengthen policies that ensure women's full participation in economic and social development." Jacob Francis Mudenda, Speaker of Parliament, emphasized the importance of inclusive governance. "Ensuring women's full participation in governance and business will drive Zimbabwe forward into a more inclusive future," he said. Field Visits Showcasing Impact The Executive Board members visited Umzingwane Safe Market, Epworth Safe Market, Maker Space Innovation Hub, and the Knowledge Hub at Rosaria Memorial Trust where the team saw the impact of innovative approaches to supporting women's economic empowerment and safety in informal marketplaces. These engagements demonstrated UN Women's commitment to creating sustainable opportunities for women, improving livelihoods, and fostering gender-responsive practices. Speaking about her transformation as a clothing trader in the market, Sarah Muchengeti had this to say, "The biggest challenge before the Epworth Safe Market was finding a secure and reliable place to work. This initiative gave me a proper workspace, where I can now take larger orders and grow my operation. My vision has changed—I am no longer just working to survive; I am building a legacy. My family now sees me as a successful businesswoman, and my children are inspired by what I have accomplished." Reflections from the Region and Country The visit by the board was a proud moment for the UN Women Zimbabwe team, whose extensive preparations ensured a seamless and impactful experience. Anna Mutavati, Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, emphasized the significance of the engagement, "This visit reinforced the importance of partnerships in driving change. It is inspiring to see the Executive Board acknowledge the progress we've made in Zimbabwe." Fatou Lo, UN Women Zimbabwe Country Representative, who spearheaded the visit, highlighted the collaborative effort involved, "This was a collective achievement, the dedication of our teams and partners made it possible to showcase our work and deepen strategic discussions on gender equality.' Lovenes Makonense, Deputy Country Representative, reflecting on the experience, said, 'Being able to present the tangible impact of our work was incredibly rewarding. The enthusiasm from stakeholders reaffirmed our mission to empower women across all sectors." Looking Ahead As the Executive Board concluded its visit, the momentum gained from these discussions will continue to shape UN Women's programming in Zimbabwe. The visit amplified the power of collaboration and the need for sustained investment in gender equality initiatives. UN Women Zimbabwe remains deeply appreciative of all partners, stakeholders, and government officials who contributed to the success of this visit. As the team reflects on the week-long engagements, one message remains clear: the commitment to empowering women in Zimbabwe is stronger than ever. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women - Africa.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
International Day of Women in Diplomacy 2025: Know the date, theme, history, significance, and more
International Day of Women in Diplomacy 2025: Did you know: According to the UN, there are only 25 countries with a female head of state or government as of January 2025, and they constitute only 22.9% of cabinet ministers globally? While historically diplomacy has been dominated by men, and despite global commitments to gender equality, women to date continue to be significantly under-represented in diplomacy and political leadership. To educate and raise public awareness, the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly designated June 24 every year as the International Day of Women in Diplomacy. This year, in 2025, the International Day of Women in Diplomacy will be observed on Tuesday, 24 June, with the theme 'Eliminating structural barriers to women's leadership in diplomacy'. The theme emphasises the under-representation of women in diplomacy and the importance of breaking down these structural barriers by advocating for the institutional changes necessary to support women in global decision-making roles. On #WomenInDiplomacy Day, we celebrate the invaluable contributions of women in shaping global relations. 👏 Their agency in diplomacy is key to building bridges, fostering understanding, and creating a more inclusive and peaceful world. RT if you agree! — UN Women (@UN_Women) June 24, 2023 To mark the day, the Assembly invited all Member States, United Nations organisations, non-governmental groups, academic institutions, and associations of female diplomats. In 2025, women diplomats are particularly positioned to bridge the gap between national legislative agendas and international diplomatic endeavours, thereby promoting women's rights, peace, and security, and helping to shape foreign policies that reflect democratic principles. Women in Diplomacy Day is meant to celebrate women's indispensable role in diplomacy and an opportunity to reflect on actions that can be taken to advance gender equality, empower women in leadership positions, and foster inclusive, effective, and representative diplomatic practices worldwide.
