There has been a remarkable increase of women participation in sporting activities across Tanzania in recent years.
But it is not just sports.
Most women also seem to rush into football matches at the expense of the female games such as Netball.
It was explained in Arusha that, the sudden rising interest in sports, among the local female population is being catalyzed by the recent sailing of the series of annual Tanzanite Women Sports Festivals, making rounds throughout the nation.
But why football?
The Executive Secretary of the National Sports Council (BMT), Neema Msitha explains that soccer, being a professional sport, it has economic benefits, and most women want their share of the spoils.
Speaking here at the threshold of the International Women’s Day, the Executive Secretary added that the new development is also placing the country on the global map as far as sports are concerned.
“Today we are seeing women undertaking even the toughest activities previously thought to be male dominion, such as boxing, basketball, soccer and long-distance cross-country racing,” said the BMT Executive, Ms Msitha.
This year, the Tanzanite Women Sports Festival (TWSF) 2025, takes place in Arusha Region.
The event is being held alongside other activities, including the ‘Samia Super Cup,’ comprising women soccer clubs locking horns in the games.
The festivals are organized in association with the Arusha Regional Sports Department under Mwamvita Okelo, the regional sports officer and more than 150 participants from all over the country are participating in soccer, netball, volleyball, athletics and other activities.
The event is meant to be celebrating the power of women in sports, as the guiding motto for the annual festivals, this year’s main theme is ‘Brave in Sports: Brave in Life!’
Afterwards the National Sports Council (BMT) will organize a special symposium on women in arts and sports.
The full- and achievements realized in the sector over the years, including how young girls can be prepared to enter the sporting field at tender ages.
And the shining example of the grassroots involvement in sports can be attested at the Orkeswa Secondary School in Monduli which the BMT say has been producing young basketball players that have been representing the country in international sporting competitions with great success.
BMT officials also paid a special visit to the school in Monduli during the ongoing activities in Arusha.