NEW YORK: TANZANIA has outlined significant progress in advancing the participation, representation, and empowerment of persons with disabilities in leadership and governance structures at a high-level debate held at the United Nations Headquarters during the 19th Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP19).
The presentation was delivered by the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development, Gender and Special Groups, Advocate Amon Mpanju, who highlighted government efforts to mainstream disability inclusion across decision-making institutions.
He noted that the number of persons with disabilities occupying leadership positions has steadily increased, spanning ministerial roles, permanent secretary posts, diplomatic appointments, parliamentary seats, directorships, and professional cadres across sectors.
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According to him, this progress demonstrates Tanzania’s sustained commitment to the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the broader agenda of inclusive governance.
The meeting was attended by senior government officials, including Deputy Minister for Community Development, Gender and Special Groups, Eng Maryprisca Mahundi, and Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities), Dr James Kilabuko, alongside international delegates and disability inclusion experts from various countries.