In celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, CGIAR centres women staff in Tanzania led by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) visited the women's labour ward at Kawe Health Center in Kinondoni Municipal, Dar es Salaam. Their mission was to donate essential facilities aimed at improving the well-being of mothers and newborns.
The initiative reinforces the power of gender-responsive solutions in transforming lives when communities prioritize women’s health, safety, and dignity by taking meaningful steps toward true gender equality while also improving women's participation in the agricultural sector.
During the visit, the women donated the maternity facilities, including the labour ensuring women’s privacy and dignity during delivery; reusable mackintosh-improving hygiene and comfort for mothers in labour, digital fetal doppler-monitoring babies' heartbeats for safer pregnancies; and two desktop computers – enhancing data storage for better maternal healthcare and record keeping.
"We felt the need to commemorate IWD with women in our community by bringing these essential items to support safe deliveries," said Jacqueline Musiimenta, IITA’s Head of Finance and Administration, Eastern Africa Hub. "The children born in this health centre are future scientists and researchers who will transform agriculture in Tanzania."
Dr. Isaka Mbalwa, the Medical Officer at Kawe Health Center, expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing the importance of women’s well-being in society. "Women are a key pillar of our community, and contributing to their health and dignity is a noble act. As we celebrate Women’s Day, it is inspiring to see women supporting their fellow women in childbirth."
Dr Mbalwa also highlighted the significance of the donated facilities, particularly the labour curtains, in enhancing privacy and dignity during delivery. He noted that such improvements would encourage more women to choose the health centre for childbirth, improving overall maternal healthcare access.
To honour the dedication of healthcare workers, both women and men, the team also presented gifts as a token of appreciation for their tireless efforts in ensuring safe deliveries for mothers and babies. Additionally, new mothers at the centre received gift hampers in celebration of their strength in childbirth and commitment to their newborns.
"Thank you for these thoughtful gifts. May God bless you," said Mary Mfikwa, a mother who had just given birth, expressing gratitude to the CGIAR women staff.
The CGIAR women staff who took part in this initiative include the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), and WorldFish. Their participation reflects their dedication to transforming food, land, and water systems for a sustainable, food-secure future—while also championing women’s health through community action.
