Poverty and Human Development Report 2009 - UNDP in Tanzania

Data also show a significant increase in the percentage of women and youth in local leadership
positions (Table 22). Overall citizen involvement in local leadership rose from 17.3% in 2003 to
22.9% in 2006, mainly due to expanded participation by women and youth. Female participation
increased almost two-fold (94%) over this period, compared with a 10% increase in male
participation. Participation by young people in leadership rose almost seven-fold, albeit from a
very low base.
Table 22: Participation in Local Government Leadership, by Gender and
Youth/Elders, 2003 and 2006
Respondents who reported that he/she
or another household member is involved
in village/ward/council leadership
2003 (% of
respondents)
CHAPTER 1 - CLUSTER III - GOAL 1
2006 (% of
respondents)
Change
between the two
surveys
Male 24.2 26.6 10%
Female 9.6 18.6 94%
Youth 1.2 9.1 658%
Elders 32.9 32.6 -1%
Total 17.3 22.9 32%
Source: Formative Process Research Programme on local government reform, 2003 and 2006
(See Tidemand et al., forthcoming).
In the 2006 survey, data were also collected on citizens’ participation in village/mtaa assemblies.
Just over half of respondents (53%) reported that their village/mtaa assembly had met within
the last three months (Table 23). This is low since local assemblies are required to meet at least
once every quarter. Under half (44%) of respondents reported participating in an assembly
meeting within the last quarter. Women (42%) were slightly under-represented in meetings.
One-third of youth respondents reported attending. Among respondents who reported
attending the last meeting, only 20% were able to indicate what topics were discussed at the
meeting. The most common topics discussed were financial issues, followed by village/mtaa
plans, such as O & OD.
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