THE IMPACT OF THE SEVENTH SEASON OF THE WOMEN’S ATHLETICS FESTIVAL

By Lookman Miraji

The seventh season of the women’s athletics festival has been officially launched with great excitement in Dar es Salaam.

The festival, popularly known as “LADIES FIRST,” has been held annually under the coordination of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in collaboration with the National Sports Council (BMT).

In this seventh season, the festival has continued to make significant strides by increasing the number of participants, reaching a total of about 155 female athletes from 31 regions across the country.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Deputy Minister for Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports, Hon. Hamisi Mwinjuma (MP), applauded the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the National Sports Council for jointly ensuring the successful organization of this year’s event.

Deputy Minister Mwinjuma further emphasized that the festival serves as an essential platform for talent identification, especially among young girls in the country

 “These competitions are an important platform for strengthening sports and increasing the participation of women in our national sports sector.”

The National Sports Council, through its Executive Secretary, Ms. Neema Msitha, who acts as a key coordinator of the festival, continues to take fundamental steps in promoting the growth of women's involvement in sports.

Ms. Neema Msitha assured that the Council will continue to offer full cooperation to all other stakeholders willing to contribute to the advancement of sports in Tanzania.

On the other hand, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), represented by its Chief Representative in Tanzania office , Mr. Ara Hitoshi, called on stakeholders to join forces to make the festival stronger, more sustainable, and more impactful.

The seventh season of the Women’s Youth Athletics Festival was officially launched today, November 29, 2025, at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.