The Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) has been allocated a sum of 32 million US dollars, equivalent to 73 billion Tanzanian Shillings, through the “Higher Education for Economic Transformation” (HEET) Project. Out of this funding, 24 million dollars will be utilized for the Morogoro Campus, and 8 million dollars for the Katavi Campus, to enhance infrastructure and promote gender equality for Economic Reforms in the country.

Prof. Kabote

These revelations were made on February 2, 2023, during a one-day workshop held at the Edward Moringe Main Campus in Morogoro. The workshop aimed to empower participants, including academic and non-academic staff, as well as students, on gender-related matters. It was officially opened by Prof. Samwel Kabote, the Principal of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities, representing Vice Chancellor Prof. Raphael Chibunda.

During his speech, Prof. Kabote highlighted that the objective of the workshop was to introduce the concept of gender, relevant policies, and legal frameworks related to gender issues. The event aimed to integrate gender perspectives into the University’s policy forums, take responsibility in formulating and implementing policies and guidelines to enhance gender equality within the institution.

“I am grateful to the Gender Desk for organizing this crucial workshop because, among other factors, gender is a crucial multidimensional issue for development, and as SUA, we must prioritize it,” said Prof. Kabote.

He further emphasized that SUA, as an institution, has a positive gender outlook in its policies and programs. Establishing a gender desk would enable them to address all gender-related matters effectively, and there is an ongoing process to establish such gender desks.

Prof. John Jeckonia

On his part, Prof. John Jeckonia, the Leader of the Gender Component in the HEET Project, commended the participants’ positive response during the workshop. A total of 65 participants attended the event, engaging in discussions and exchanging experiences on gender-related issues, gender concepts, and the importance of integrating gender concerns into the University’s activities and the project.

“We have assembled a competent team that will continue to work towards integrating gender issues into daily activities, including teaching, research, and all aspects of the University,” stated Prof. Jeckonia.

Speaking on behalf of the workshop participants, Senior Human Resources Officer, Ms. Hilda Chigudulu, expressed her gratitude to the HEET Project’s leadership through the Gender Desk for organizing such essential training. She emphasized that the knowledge gained from the workshop will enable them to perform their duties at a level unmatched by other institutions, and she pledged their readiness to embrace this commitment.

The HEET Project’s initiative to enhance gender awareness and equality at SUA is a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive and equitable learning environment. With the allocation of substantial funding and the commitment of both staff and students, the university is poised to make strides in advancing gender-related goals and economic transformations in Tanzania.