Tanzania is set to host a significant training program and high-level conference aimed at increasing women’s participation in alternative dispute resolution (ADR), a move designed to strengthen their role in decision-making and conflict resolution both locally and internationally.
The announcement was made by Godson Nyange, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Tanzania International Arbitration Centre (TIAC), during a press briefing held at Wakili House in Dar es Salaam. He revealed that the events will take place from March 24 to 27, 2026, bringing together key stakeholders from various sectors.
According to Nyange, the main conference scheduled for March 27 will be guided by the theme: “From Dialogue to Action: Advancing Women’s Inclusion in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).” The forum will convene legal experts, policymakers, academics, business leaders, and ADR practitioners to critically examine strategies for enhancing women’s involvement in resolving disputes.
The conference will be preceded by a three-day training session from March 24 to 26, focusing on building women’s capacity and confidence in ADR processes such as arbitration and mediation. The training aims to equip participants with practical skills, ethical standards, and professional competencies necessary to succeed in the field.
Nyange highlighted that historically, ADR has been dominated by men, with global and African data showing a significant gender gap. He emphasized the importance of addressing this imbalance to ensure inclusive and effective justice systems.
Speaking on behalf of the Office of the Attorney General, Assistant Director Mercy Kyamba noted that the office is partnering with TIAC to organize the events, as it holds the mandate to manage arbitration cases on behalf of the Government of Tanzania.
TIAC Chief Executive Officer Magreth Magoma added that the initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote ADR in Tanzania and across East Africa. She also cited the Arbitration Act of 2020, which requires practitioners to be certified, noting that women remain underrepresented in certification statistics.
Overall, the training and conference are expected to promote gender equality, strengthen professional networks, and contribute to a more inclusive and reliable dispute resolution system in Tanzania.
