Gender and Climate Justice Convening: Advancing Inclusive Blue Economy in Tanzania
By WFT-T
13 April 2026
In commemoration of International Women’s Day this year, Women Fund Tanzania organized a Gender and Climate Justice Convening held in Tanga Region on 30th March 2026. The convening was organized through the ReSea project, implemented in partnership with Mission Inclusion and IUCN Tanzania, and funded by Global Affairs Canada.
The main objective of the convening, held under the theme “Advancing Gender-Responsive Blue Economy for Inclusive and Climate-Just Development” was to bring together voices of change-makers and key stakeholders to reflect on and advocate for environmental justice within an inclusive blue economy—one that promotes participatory leadership and strengthens women’s capacity to influence sustainable development.
The convening was attended by various stakeholders, including blue economy enterpreneurship(BEE) groups under the ReSea project from Pemba and Tanga, government leaders from relevant ministries, as well as representatives of women’s, girls’, and children’s rights advocates. During the opening of the convening, the Executive Director of Women Fund Tanzania (WFT-T), Rose Marandu, stated that sustainable development cannot be achieved without ensuring that gender equality is placed at the center of blue economy policies, planning, and implementation.
“When we talk about the blue economy, we cannot separate it from rights and equality. Women must fully participate in decision-making and benefit from these resources in order to achieve true and inclusive development,” said Marandu.
On her part, WFT-T Board Member Nosim Losai emphasized that these achievements are an important foundation but require stronger support through inclusive policies.
“These achievements clearly show that when women are given opportunities and resources, they can drive significant change. However, even greater impact can be realized if the government adopts gender-responsive policies that enable women to fully participate in and benefit from the blue economy,” said Losai.
Participants of the convening shared testimonies of the transformations they have experienced through the project. One participant from Pemba stated:
“In the past, we were restricted from participating in marine economic activities, but now we contribute to household income, build homes, and educate our children. The community has begun to recognize our value.”
Key activities of the convening included exhibitions of products from entrepreneurs in blue economy groups supported by the project, a presentation on gender analysis within blue economy policies, and various panel discussions. These covered topics such as voices of change in the blue economy, policy issues highlighted in research, and community experiences in implementing blue economy activities.
