DIAMOND DIVAS CHAMPION WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN INVESTMENT FUNDS AND CAPITAL MARKETS

Member of Parliament for Special Seats in Dar es Salaam Region and Chairperson of the Diamond Divas Group, Hon. Janeth Elias Mahawanga, speaks during a seminar organized by the group on financial literacy and investment in investment funds, held in Dar es Salaam.

Diamond Divas Group Secretary, Ms. Noryne Mmasi, speaks during a seminar organized by the group on financial literacy and investment in investment funds, held yesterday in Dar es Salaam.

Trainer in financial, economic, and investment funds, Mr. Emilian Busara, delivers financial and investment education during a seminar organized by the Diamond Divas Group on financial literacy and investment, held in Dar es Salaam.

Dar es Salaam - Women across Tanzania have been encouraged to take advantage of investment opportunities available through various investment funds as part of efforts to achieve the country's National Development Vision 2050 and build an inclusive industrial economy supported by broad-based financial inclusion.

The call was made by the Member of Parliament for Special Seats representing Dar es Salaam Region and Chairperson of the Diamond Divas Women's Microfinance Group, Hon. Janeth Elias Mahawanga, during a seminar on women's participation in investment funds. She said investing in such funds would help women increase capital for their businesses and improve their economic wellbeing.

“When we talk about the National Development Vision 2050 from a women's perspective, the Vision emphasizes the growth of individual household incomes as well as the national economy. It also highlights the importance of developing small-scale industries. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has provided a national vision, but its implementation depends on us as citizens. As women, we want to participate directly in implementing this Vision. We want to be part of the industrial economy and become investors in our own country,” said Hon. Janeth.

She added that seminars of this nature are essential in preparing women to participate fully in economic development by equipping them with knowledge on financial literacy, business management, investment opportunities, and entrepreneurship.

“Through this education, we as Diamond Divas aspire to become investors. We want to establish industries and create our own financial institution. To achieve all these goals, we must place greater emphasis on financial education, business skills, awareness of opportunities, and investment knowledge,” she said.

Speaking on measures needed to increase the number of Tanzanians, particularly women, investing in investment funds and capital markets, financial, economic and investment trainer Emilian Busara stressed the importance of financial education.

“First, Tanzanians need financial literacy. Without proper education, people cannot understand investment funds, how to invest, or the benefits involved. Second, people must take action and invest. You cannot learn how to ride a bicycle simply by reading about it in books. Third, those who already have knowledge should educate others. If these three things are done, I have no doubt that the number of Tanzanians, especially women, joining investment funds will increase,” said Busara.

He also commended the Diamond Divas Group for taking the lead in promoting investment awareness among women.

Meanwhile, one of the seminar participants, Hellen Siria, advised women involved in community-based empowerment groups to formally register their organizations in order to benefit from various opportunities, including access to capital, different forms of financing, and other support mechanisms that can help improve their businesses and livelihoods.

“My message to fellow women, especially those participating in community groups, is that we should formalize our groups to make it easier to benefit from the many opportunities available to women entrepreneurs. Most importantly, women should prioritize investment as a pathway to economic empowerment,” she said.