This year, we’re putting the “international” in International Women’s Day! Today, we’re highlighting the incredible work happening in our Tanzania country program. In partnership with the Tanzania Red Cross Society, we’re helping create equity for refugee women. We’re investing in their career development and building their confidence. The reality is that the women we serve are strong, smart, and talented. Though they are challenged by their circumstances, it would be a discredit to our organizations to ignore their gifts.

Read on to hear from our Tanzania team about how we’re accelerating the progress of women in refugee camps!

Celebrating International Women’s Day

Medical Teams International and the Tanzania Red Cross Society celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8 at Nyarugusu Refugee Camp Zone 10. The event was meant to honor the career progression of refugee women who provide health care services within the camps. Both organizations acknowledge the dedication, proficiency, and expertise of refugee women in a variety of roles. Their commitment will pave the way for opportunities upon returning to their home countries.

Lucia Pande, Director General of the Tanzania Red Cross Society, acknowledges the talent and expertise held by refugee women.

She says,

“Their dedication and expertise serve as beacons of hope, illuminating paths to brighter futures upon their return home.”

Many women are forced to leave their home countries because of violence. They come to Tanzania seeking refuge and peace. Medical Teams and the Tanzania Red Cross are pleased to offer ways refugee women can use their skills, education, and professional backgrounds to practice and develop their careers. Both organizations feel proud to have opportunities to invest more in their careers and witness their professional growth. The two health organizations believe these experiences will open new opportunities for refugee women when they return home and will serve as a road to a better life.

Accelerating progress for women

Medical Teams and the Tanzania Red Cross Society are celebrating under the U.N.’s International Women’s Day theme, “Invest in women: accelerate progress.” The sentiment aligns seamlessly with the current situation in Tanzania, where the voluntary repatriation of Burundian refugees is actively underway. Following the restoration of peace in Burundi, and supported by both the U.N. High Commissioner of Refugees (UNHCR) and the Tanzanian government, many refugees are returning home.

Medical Teams and the Tanzania Red Cross have actively invested in building the skills and confidence of refugee women. Through practical health care training, mentorships, and technical guidance, the organizations hope women can embrace new opportunities. These humanitarian organizations are confident these refugee women are well prepared for reintegration into their countries’ health care systems upon returning home.

Debora Niyeha, Medical Teams Country Director in Tanzania, says,

“Working alongside committed refugee women in our health facilities has been an honor.”

She went on to say, “They have been so helpful in ensuring quality services are offered to their fellow refugees while they act as front liners in both prevention and curative services. I am confident that, as they prepare to return home, they will continue to be significant contributors to their country’s health system.”

Lucia Pande, Director General of the Tanzania Red Cross Society, joined Debora’s sincere appreciation. She says, “We are pleased to support the empowerment of refugee women at our health care clinics, which also plays a vital role in strengthening the community. We believe this experience will enhance their personal development and increase their ability to seize new opportunities.”

Ensuring a bright future for generations to come

Simultaneously, the government of the United Republic of Tanzania, in collaboration with humanitarian agencies engaged in refugee response efforts, has demonstrated a keen commitment to safeguarding and empowering refugee women in their parental roles. Their hope is to ensure a brighter future for generations to come.

Sudi Mwakibasi, Director of Refugee Services, commented, “A woman serves as a mirror of any society and is the primary carer of children in every nation across the globe. Moreover, she holds the power to protect or destroy her society. She is the cornerstone of family unity and nurtures relationships. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I strongly urge the international community to invest much in providing parenting education for refugee women. This support will benefit their future generations when they repatriate to their home countries. I also urge refugee women, including those from Burundi, to stand firm and uphold their divine role to teach and preach love and peace to their children and society, to sustain the restored peace for the coming generations.”

The government of Tanzania, along with UNHCR and other key partners, take the lead in addressing humanitarian concerns in the country, supported by various organizations. Together, they strive to assist individuals seeking refuge in Tanzania, providing support and resources to those fleeing violence and seeking peace.

Learn more about our work in Tanzania.