Among the major goals of the government led by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan is to fulfill the directives of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party by creating jobs through sports and boosting the economy, along with ensuring peace and happiness for all Tanzanians.
This effort stems from the government’s commitment to bringing together sports stakeholders to organize various marathons. This initiative has significantly contributed to achieving CCM’s goals.
On August 18 this year, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Dr. Doto Biteko called on all sports sector stakeholders to use marathons as a way to bring smiles to people in need, with the aim of providing essential social services, including health services.
Dr. Biteko made these remarks at the CRDB Bank International Marathon 2024, held at the Green Oyster Bay grounds in Dar es Salaam. The funds raised through the marathons have greatly benefited the Tanzanian community, including the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (KCI), which has supported more than 400 children to receive medical treatment for heart diseases over the past four years, he said.
Due to widespread support from various leaders in the country, more stakeholders in sports development have continued to organize marathons to educate the community and assist those in need.
These sports stakeholders, who have been organizing various races, have also been educating the community and supporting those in need, as well as addressing issues of gender-based violence (GBV) against women and children.
One of the stakeholders in sports development is the CEO of the Asma Mwinyi Foundation, Asma Ally Mwinyi, who announced they have organized the “Stop GBV Half Marathon Zanzibar,” set to take place on December 1st this year at Ngome Kongwe, Zanzibar.
She mentioned that Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa is expected to be the guest of honor, where he will emphasize the importance of addressing this issue at the highest levels of leadership.
“These races will cover five and 21 kilometers for participants who register, with funds raised going towards this cause,” she said.
The Deputy Prime Minister clarified that the race is listed on the global athletics calendar and aims to raise awareness and combat gender-based violence (GBV), particularly focusing on women and girls.
Asma stated that the marathon aligns with the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,” which will help unite the community, activists, and advocates in the ongoing fight to end violence against women and girls.
The Asma Mwinyi Foundation highlighted that the importance of these races lies in ending gender-based violence (GBV) and promoting collective action to create a safe and equitable society for all.
The CEO added that this year’s event is expected to attract more than 2,000 participants from various locations. These participants will stand united in conveying the message that we must come together to end gender-based violence.
In addition to the races, she said there will be various awareness and campaign activities taking place throughout the “16 Days of Activism.”
“We invite everyone, including organizations and sponsors, to join us in supporting the fight to end violence against women and children. We must build a future where women and girls can live without fear, speak out against gender-based violence, especially against women and children,” she said.
She added that the current strategy is to see how sports can be used to raise awareness on issues of gender-based violence.
“Our goal is to raise 500 million Tanzanian shillings from this marathon, with another goal being to help end gender-based violence. I encourage all women to come out in large numbers.”
She mentioned that there are awareness campaigns and community participation initiatives, as the Asma Mwinyi Foundation seeks to create lasting change in the fight against violence and discrimination towards women and girls.