Tanzania seeks to preserve women's hidden legacies

Dar es Salaam. A revolution that seeks to unveil the hidden histories of remarkable women who have shaped the nation's destiny yet whose stories remain obscured by the sands of time is unfolding in Tanzania.

This endeavour, spearheaded by both grassroots initiatives and national leadership, stands as a testament to the importance of preserving the country’s shared heritage.

At the forefront of this movement is the celebration on April 13, 2024, that honored the leadership of Mwami Theresa Ntare II, the first female national chief in Tanzania's history.

Her legacy, long overlooked, has now been brought into the spotlight, serving as a beacon of inspiration for women across the nation.

As Ms Rose Marandu from the Women Fund aptly puts it, "This is a significant milestone for us women and men to eradicate oppressive systems and negative perceptions that devalue women and instead empower them to lead revolutions in our societies."

The importance of preserving the memory of Chief Theresa Ntare's contributions cannot be overstated. In a society where women's achievements have often been sidelined or forgotten, her story serves as a reminder of the immense potential that lies within every woman.

Former ACT-Wazalendo party leader Zitto Kabwe noted that such initiatives challenged patriarchal systems and expanded people’s understanding of history.

"Here we see that we had a female ruler, a traditional chief, who received all the respect without any doubt," he stated.

He said that deeper into Tanzania's past, there were countless narratives of women whose contributions have shaped the nation's trajectory. From political leaders to unsung heroes of the grassroots movement.

However, he said, much of the history remains undocumented—a glaring oversight that must be rectified.

There is a growing impetus to conduct further research and documentation on the overlooked heroines in the country.

Those who gathered at the ceremony organised by Chief Ntare’s family, the National Museum of Tanzania, and Women Fund believe that preserving these stories is not just a matter of historical accuracy; it is a means of empowering future generations.

“By uncovering the untold tales of women who defied societal norms and blazed their own trails, we provide role models for young girls and boys alike,” said Ms Marandu.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan's position as chief overseer is particularly significant in this endeavor. As the first woman head of state in Tanzania's history, she occupies a unique position of influence and authority.

Her commitment to preserving the nation's traditions, coupled with her recognition of the importance of women's contributions, sets the stage for meaningful change, they said.

The current Chairperson of Tanzania's chiefs, Ms Antonia Sangali, said, "Now that we have our chief, who is also the President, we are sure we will honour many people who have done great things in the country, including women."

Indeed, she said, President Hassan's leadership sends a powerful message—that the stories of women matter and that their legacies deserve to be celebrated and preserved.

“By championing initiatives to unearth hidden histories and shine a spotlight on forgotten heroines, she is paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.”

But the task ahead is not an easy one. As Mr Kabwe aptly points out, Africans have often neglected to document their history to the same extent as their European counterparts.

“It is never too late to rectify past mistakes. Through concerted efforts to research, document, and preserve the stories of Tanzania's trailblazing women, we can ensure that their contributions are never forgotten,” he said.

The first child of Mwami Theresa Ntare, Mr Costa Shinganya, stated, "Today's event is very important as it helps us to know lost histories. It is crucial to have these histories to help us correct past mistakes and honour our traditions."