RISING WOMAN 2025: Susan Namondo urges women to lead in development

Dar es Salaam. “When you have something to contribute, you are an integral part of society. Don’t stand on the sidelines—if you have the qualifications, step forward and participate.”

This is the call to action from the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Tanzania since November 2024, Ms Susan Namondo. Representing the UN Secretary-General, she leads the UN Country Team in advancing Tanzania’s national priorities, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Africa’s Agenda 2063 across 23 UN agencies.

Ms Namondo highlights a striking gender disparity: while men apply for jobs when they meet just 40 percent of the qualifications, women often wait until they meet 90% before applying. 

She urges women to take more chances, to “throw their hearts into the ring,” and actively contribute to national and global development.

With over 25 years in international development, she has held leadership roles in four UN agencies and previously served as Resident Coordinator in Uganda and Eritrea. Her career spans policy and program planning, with key roles in UNICEF across Ghana, Comoros, and Liberia. She also worked with the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, Caritas Internationalis, and Catholic Relief Services.

A Cameroonian national, Ms Namondo holds dual bachelor’s degrees from the University of Maryland and master’s degrees in public administration from Columbia University and in animal health from the University of Reading.

Ms Namondo is clear about her mission: ensuring the UN is a strong catalyst for Tanzania’s development, especially in the face of geopolitical and financial challenges. She is committed to aligning UN efforts with Tanzania’s Vision 2050, focusing on key actions that drive national progress.

“The UN’s collective job is to support the government and broader society in overcoming challenges that women face,” she explains. Gender equality, she argues, is fundamental to achieving all development goals, from health to agriculture and education. “If we do not improve gender equality, we risk falling short on all our goals.”

Women’s economic empowerment and digital inclusion

Ms Namondo underscores the importance of engaging women in Tanzania’s economic sectors, particularly agriculture, seaweed farming, and renewable energy. She acknowledges the government’s success in reducing maternal mortality and increasing women’s economic participation, with the UN playing a supportive role in these achievements.

Technology, she believes, is a game-changer for women. “Digital tools can be a huge enabler, especially in sectors where women are underrepresented, like mining. With better equipment and technology, barriers can be reduced, allowing more women to participate.”

Climate Change: A critical challenge

On climate change, Ms. Namondo stresses that it is a top global challenge affecting development efforts. “Climate change is fundamentally altering the way we live. Floods wash away bridges and government resources, making adaptation crucial.”

The UN, she notes, is actively supporting Tanzania’s national adaptation plans and policy frameworks to mitigate climate-related disruptions. A key focus is on promoting climate-smart agriculture to ensure long-term food security despite shifting environmental conditions.

Tanzania’s strategic role in Africa’s development

Tanzania’s geopolitical positioning is another area of focus. As a member of both the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and with access to the sea, Tanzania is a vital bridge for regional trade. Ms. Namondo highlights the country’s potential in leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) for economic growth.

She also commends Tanzania’s leadership in governance and gender representation. “Tanzania increased the number of female Members of Parliament and has had a female president—other countries have much to learn from this.”

Shifting norms and policy implementation

Despite progressive policies across Africa, Ms Namondo acknowledges that societal norms still hinder gender equality. “Policies play a role, but real change comes from shifting behaviors and pushing these policies forward.”

She remains optimistic, emphasizing that both men and women have critical roles in economic development. “We are evolving, and we must continue recognizing the equal contributions of men and women to our economies.”

As she continues her tenure in Tanzania, Ms Namondo is determined to strengthen the UN’s role in catalyzing inclusive development, ensuring that no one—especially women—is left behind.

Supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation