Tanzania Prisons Service Advances Women’s Leadership, Investment and Professional Development
Tanzania Prisons Service Women’s Network Chairperson DCP Lipina Lyimo has called on members to prioritise productive investment projects that deliver sustainable economic benefits. Speaking in Dodoma, she also emphasised stronger institutional coordination, leadership development and member participation.
By Staff Sergeant Mawazo Mtondo | DODOMA, Tanzania — November 4, 2026
The Chairperson of the Tanzania Prisons Service Women’s Network, Deputy Commissioner of Prisons (DCP) Lipina Lyimo, has urged members to identify and propose productive, sustainable projects that will maximise the value of their contributions and deliver tangible economic benefits to members.
DCP Lyimo made the call on November 4, 2026, while presiding over a meeting to review and consolidate assessments of the Women’s Network General Assembly, attended by representatives from Dodoma Region.
The meeting was held at the Tanzania Prisons Service Headquarters Conference Hall in Msalato, Dodoma.
Addressing participants, DCP Lyimo emphasised the importance of developing viable projects capable of generating meaningful returns and strengthening the network’s financial sustainability.
She also directed the network’s Secretariat to receive, review and act upon members’ views and recommendations to facilitate comprehensive assessments, improve organisational planning and ensure effective preparations for the next General Assembly.
Women Officers Urged to Strengthen Digital Safety and Privacy
During the meeting, Assistant Commissioner of Prisons (ACP) Edith Mbogo encouraged participants to prioritise personal safety, privacy and responsible use of digital platforms.
She advised members to exercise caution when recording, sharing or distributing personal photographs on social media, highlighting the potential risks associated with the inappropriate disclosure of private information.
ACP Mbogo shared insights gained during leadership training she attended in Indonesia, underscoring the importance of digital awareness, personal security and professional responsibility.
Leadership Training Equips Women Officers with Strategic Skills
Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Prisons (SSP) Bonaza Malata, an engineer with the Tanzania Prisons Service, presented a report on leadership training attended by eight female officers from the Service.
The programme was conducted at the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School in Kibaha, Coast Region, and focused on strengthening leadership competencies and institutional management skills.
The training covered several key areas, including personal and institutional leadership, human resource management, strategic leadership, conflict resolution, project management and effective communication.
It also addressed emerging professional competencies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), digital technologies, information security and women’s empowerment in leadership.
The programme was designed to enhance the participating officers’ capacity to undertake leadership responsibilities, manage institutional resources and contribute effectively to organisational development.
Women’s Network Strengthens Governance and Member Participation
Providing clarification on the network’s governance structure, Inspector (INSP) Scholastica Ndunguru, Secretary of the Tanzania Prisons Service Women’s Network, explained that the organisation operates under a constitution that establishes procedures and guidelines for conducting its meetings and other official activities.
She encouraged members to actively contribute their views, ideas and recommendations to strengthen the network’s operations and improve the implementation of its objectives.
Inspector Ndunguru emphasised that meaningful member participation remains essential to effective organisational governance, accountability and continued institutional development.
Network Established to Promote Women’s Welfare and Rights
According to Inspector Ndunguru, the Tanzania Prisons Service Women’s Network was established in 2018 with several objectives, including raising awareness among female prison officers about issues affecting their working environment.
The network also seeks to promote the rights, welfare and entitlements of vulnerable groups of female offenders and other individuals requiring special protection within the correctional system.
These include pregnant women, women with children and children in conflict with the law.
Through its activities, the network provides a platform for female prison officers to exchange experiences, strengthen professional cooperation, promote leadership development and contribute to the protection of vulnerable groups within the justice and correctional system.
The Dodoma meeting highlighted the network’s continued focus on strengthening institutional governance, promoting women’s leadership, improving members’ economic opportunities and encouraging the responsible adoption of modern technologies.
The discussions also reinforced the importance of translating members’ contributions and professional development initiatives into practical programmes capable of delivering sustainable benefits to the network and its members.