When Samia Suluhu Hassan assumed office as Tanzania’s first female president, her rise was hailed across Africa and beyond as a milestone for women’s political representation. A Muslim woman ascending to the highest seat of power in a country with deep patriarchal traditions was seen as a powerful symbol of change, a beacon for gender equality in leadership.
However, the euphoria that once surrounded her leadership has given way to unease and disappointment. Recent political developments in Tanzania have raised serious questions about President Samia’s commitment to democracy, inclusivity, and the very values that propelled her to historic prominence.
A Shrinking Democratic Space
Months before the general election, Tanzania was engulfed in fear and repression. Reports of arrests of opposition members and deaths cast a dark shadow over the political atmosphere. The government-imposed curfews and restricted internet access, effectively silencing dissent and curbing information flow.
Despite these troubling developments, President Samia declared the election “fair and transparent” in her inauguration address, even while admitting that lives were lost during the protests. She blamed the unrest on foreign interference rather than internal state excesses.
Her assertion, however, was contradicted by observers. The African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) concluded that the election failed to meet international democratic standards, citing widespread repression, ballot-stuffing, and systemic irregularities.
The opposition Party for Democracy and Development (Chadema) dismissed the results as “completely fabricated.” Analysts say the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) used state machinery to systematically eliminate credible competition.
Key opposition leaders were barred from contesting: Tundu Lissu, an opposition leader was arrested on treason charges he denies, while Luhaga Mpina’s nomination was disqualified on technical grounds.
The BBC reports that a Tanzanian court has charged at least 240 people with treason following the deadly election protests. President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner of the election with 98% of the vote, but the opposition which was barred from contesting denounced the poll as ‘a sham.”
In a later development, Al Jazeera on Tuesday, November 11 reported that the Police in Tanzania have released several senior opposition leaders detained. Four senior Chadema officials arrested for their alleged role in the protests were released on bail on Monday.
A Betrayal of Women’s Hopes
President Samia’s rise was more than a political transition; it was a symbolic victory for women across Africa. Her leadership was expected to embody compassion, inclusivity, and reform. Instead, her administration’s intolerance for dissent, mass arrests, and manipulation of the democratic process have painted a troubling picture.
Winning 98% of the vote in an election marred by intimidation and irregularities only deepens skepticism about her legitimacy. Her “re-election” ceremony, held at a military parade ground in Dodoma and closed to the public, was seen by many as a coronation rather than a democratic celebration.
These actions have ignited debate not just about the state of democracy in Tanzania, but also about women’s leadership itself. Critics argue that her repressive style has inadvertently strengthened conservative narratives that question women’s suitability for high office, an unfortunate setback for gender advocacy across the continent.
But this question must be approached carefully. Should the failings of one leader become the yardstick for all women? The answer is no. Leadership should be judged on individual merit, not gender.
Learning from women who have led with purpose
History offers countless examples of women who have used power responsibly and effectively.
Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, the “Iron Lady,” demonstrated firm leadership in steering the United Kingdom through economic turmoil. Her policies in the 1980s, though controversial, helped restore Britain’s global economic competitiveness.
In Ghana, Abena Osei-Asare, Member of Parliament for Atiwa East and Chairperson of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, has been a model of accountability and fiscal discipline. Her committee’s work has exposed irregularities in state expenditure and helped recover funds for the nation.Ghana travel guide
Similarly, Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s first female Prime Minister, has been praised for her pragmatic governance. Her focus on fiscal prudence and economic stability has led to a credit rating upgrade for Italy, lower budget deficits, and reduced unemployment.
These examples remind the world that women can lead decisively and ethically.
The Responsibility of Women in Power
The struggle for women’s representation has been long and painful. Every woman who occupies a seat of power stands on the shoulders of generations who fought for recognition, equality, and the right to lead. That is why female leaders must understand that their conduct does not only define their legacy, it shapes society’s trust in women’s leadership as a whole.
Women in power must remember:
1. Your leadership opens or closes doors for others.
Every decision you make influences how society perceives women’s capability to lead.
2. Do not make the world regret believing in you.
Leadership is a privilege earned through trust, not a weapon to suppress others.
3. Lead with empathy and accountability.
Women are natural nurturers and community builders. Power should amplify that compassion, not diminish it.
In conclusion, President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership may have begun as a symbol of progress, but her government’s posture toward opposition, democracy, and dissent tells a more complex story, one that challenges the very ideals of women’s empowerment her presidency once embodied.
Still, her shortcomings must not become ammunition against women’s participation in politics. The lesson should not be to deny women power, but to demand better leadership from men and women alike. The goal of gender advocacy is not just to see women in power it is to see women transform power for the better.
