Arusha, Tanzania — March 10, 2026 –In observance of International Women’s Day, the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Women’s Caucus reaffirmed its unwavering solidarity with women and girls across the East African Community and around the world. The Eala Women Caucus observed the day as an opportunity to honour the resilience, leadership, and transformative contributions of women who, often as agents of change and quiet influencers, are shaping the future of our societies. The solidarity statement, delivered by Hon. Amb. Fatuma Ndangiza, Chairperson of the EALA Women’s Caucus, reflects a shared commitment to a region where every woman and girl can thrive.
In her statement, Hon.Ndangiza stated that “investing in women and girls is not only a fundamental human right but also a cornerstone for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable East Africa”. She acknowledged the notable strides that have been made through progressive legal reforms, improvements in education, greater political participation, and increased economic empowerment, while acknowledging persistent gaps in implementation, funding, and cultural norms that continue to impede full gender equality. The chairperson described the work as a call to action to accelerate progress, close the gaps, and ensure that commitments translate into ground-level realities.
She also underscored a shared responsibility for gender equality, with women and girls making up half of the region’s population and potential, and reaffirming a commitment to challenge discriminatory practices and advance gender-responsive policies within the EAC integration project. She also affirmed regional leadership and accountability, stating that “the Caucus seeks to amplify women’s voices in justice, equality, equity, and accountability” within the EAC process. The actions, according to the statement, align with Sustainable Development Goal 5, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the EAC Treaty provisions mandating gender mainstreaming across all integration efforts.
Looking ahead to 2026, She outlined strategic priorities intended to guide the EALA Women Caucus’s work, including digital empowerment and leadership; zero violence and protection; economic inclusion; and governance and accountability. She also noted that the Intergenerational Dialogue program will be expanded to leverage digital technologies to enhance women’s leadership and mentorship while bridging the digital divide. Amb. Ndangiza reaffirmed EALA Caucus’s will to advance legislative reforms to prohibit harmful practices and combat gender-based violence, and accelerate actions that protect women across borders.
Amb. Ndangiza reiterated that economic inclusion will be pushed forward through programs that support cross-border traders with trade facilitation and digital solutions. Beijing+30 priority actions will be implemented, and progress toward SDG 5 will be monitored through robust oversight and reporting, aligned with regional commitments.
On the legislative and oversight front, the statement calls for the accelerated passage and enforcement of pending Bills critical to women’s rights, including the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Bill and the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Bill, to shield women and girls from harmful practices, exploitation, and modern-day slavery.
Amb. Ndangiza then made a broad call to action to extend to civil society, the private sector, and development partners to join hands in championing community empowerment, awareness-raising, and gender-justice initiatives. She emphasised engaging men and boys as allies in advancing gender equality and urged governments to be held accountable for commitments to gender parity. She also called on the East African Community Partner States to recommit politically to gender equality by strengthening gender-responsive accountability mechanisms, enforcing transformative laws, ending gender-based violence, and dismantling structural barriers that hinder women’s participation and advancement.
In closing, the EALA Women's Caucus reaffirmed its resolve to build an inclusive, integrated, and prosperous East Africa that leaves no one behind.
About:
a. EALA Women Caucus: The EALA Women's Caucus is a platform within the East African Legislative Assembly dedicated to advancing gender equality and women's participation in regional governance.
b. Beijing+30 priority: This refers to the 30th anniversary (in 2025) of the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women, which produced the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. It is a UN-led initiative focusing on reviewing progress, addressing gaps, and accelerating action on Gender equality across 12 critical areas, including violence against women, education, and economic participation.
For more information, Contact:
Nicodemus Ajak Bior
Senior Public Relations Officer (SPRO)
East African Legislative Assembly,
Arusha, Tanzania
Tel: +255-768-885-633/ +254 729-157-207
Email: nbior@eachq.org
www.eala.org
