Participants at the ninth Girls' Agenda Forum emphasised the need for increased funding in girls' access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics, digital skills and leadership opportunities. The forum highlighted education, economic empowerment and girls' participation in decision-making as vital to Tanzania's Development Vision 2050. Consolata Chikoti, Director General of Msichana Initiative, said that investing in girls was a strategic investment in Tanzania's future and that inclusive growth cannot be achieved while girls face barriers to education and economic opportunities.
The forum also highlighted the digital divide affecting girls. Participants stressed the importance of equipping girls with technological knowledge and digital skills for education, employment and innovation. Neema Msangi from Women Fund called for girls to actively participate in policymaking, planning and budgeting rather than simply having their experiences heard. She also urged wider access to digital learning, particularly for girls in remote communities, alongside awareness of online risks.
Glady Mkuchi, a representative at the Royal Norwegian Embassy, reaffirmed Norway's commitment to gender equality as fundamental to sustainable development. She said girls should have equal opportunities to access quality education and develop leadership skills. Asha Vuai, Director of Children's Services in the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, called for intensified efforts to end child marriage and violence against girls, emphasising that keeping girls in school and expanding their economic opportunities were essential to achieving inclusive development.