Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi has urged countries in the Great Lakes Region to give women meaningful roles in decision-making, peace negotiations and conflict resolution, stressing that resolutions must be backed by practical and measurable actions.

He made the call while representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the opening of the First International Conference of Women Parliamentarians of the Great Lakes Region, taking place from November 2 to 5, 2026, at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam.

Ndejembi said women are leaders, mediators and peacebuilders, stressing the need to eliminate oppressive cultural practices, discrimination and economic barriers that limit their participation.

He added that Tanzania continues to empower women through opportunities in leadership, education, markets, access to capital and affordable loans.