With the women’s celebration month of March almost coming to an end, the recent “Women in Finance: Embracing Climate Change” event hosted by the Tanzania Association of Microfinance Institutions (TAMFI) was a resounding success, drawing together women leaders from across the finance sector to discuss and commit to addressing the pressing challenges of climate change and gender inequality.
Insightful Introduction by Ms. Winnie Terry
Ms. Winnie Terry, TAMFI’s Executive Secretary, provided a comprehensive introduction to the event, highlighting the significance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to clean water and sanitation, affordable clean energy, and climate action. She echoed the President’s call for clean cooking solutions and emphasized the importance of aligning financial initiatives with national strategies.
Keynote Address by Ms. Devota Minzi
Ms. Devota Minzi, Chairperson of the TAMFI Board, set the stage for the event by highlighting the critical moment in history where urgent action is needed to tackle the interconnected issues of climate change and gender inequality. She celebrated the resilience, ingenuity, and determination of women in finance who are at the forefront of driving positive change. Ms. Minzi emphasized the event’s taglines, #InspireInclusion and #ClimateChangeGenderNexus, underscoring the importance of inclusive approaches to climate action.
Panel Discussions and Recognition Awards
Two engaging panel discussions featured women leaders from the climate change ecosystem and beneficiaries of climate change initiatives. The panels, moderated by Geraldine Mashele and Deodati Bernard, provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in addressing climate change.
Additionally, recognition awards were presented to five exemplary women from member institutions who have championed climate change products and achieved remarkable success in terms of loans, beneficiaries, and capital mobilization. These women include Gladys Oning’o – Head of Projects CARITAS Dar es Salaam; Elvera Mdee – Manager Same Kaya SACCOS; Margaret Msengi – Chief of Credit Maendeleo Bank; Johari Mgombawanu – Head of Credit MMCL Finance Ltd; and Anastella Maraji – Anastella Microfinance.
Key Deliberations and Future Plans
Key deliberations from the event included the importance of including government ministries and agencies in future meetings, forming committees to support future planning efforts, and aligning initiatives with national strategies. Participants also emphasized the need for advocacy on reduced interest rates for climate change products and collaboration with other associations for research and information sharing.
Looking Ahead
The event concluded on a positive note, with both TAMFI representatives and participants expressing satisfaction with the event’s outcomes and discussions. There were promises of continued collaboration and efforts to improve future events, with a shared commitment to driving meaningful change in the fight against climate change.
As we reflect on the success of the “Women in Finance: Embracing Climate Change” event, we are reminded of the power of collective action and the vital role that women play in shaping a sustainable future for all.
Thank you to everyone who participated, and we look forward to continued collaboration and progress in the year ahead.