Critical Issues in Female Performance at the University of Dar es Salaam 2004-2010 Role Models and Lessons for the Future

Abstract

This article explores the facts underlying the 50 years (1961 – 2011) that saw not only independence, nor the birth of the first Tanzanian university but also the gender initiatives. The gender initiatives have raised the stature of the Tanzanian nation in African statistics and the prestige of the University of Dar es Salaam.  It celebrates women’s intellectual achievements along their male counterparts.  The article argues that during the 50 years, there was ‘magic in the air’ that enabled female success in different degree programmes amidst  unpredictable biological and gender environments! Besides, the numbers that pullulated year after year in the university admission records were evidence to the spirit of a growing nation in civilisation.  Some of the female achievements proved to the chagrin of the conservative theorists that Tanzanian girls are, without doubt, intelligent in their own right.  I refuse to compare the performance of females and males and label such a comparison, a ‘defunct science’.  I also recognise female academicians in various positions as Nobel and other prize winners, professors, lecturers, senor administrators as conquerors of positions which were purportedly spaces for men.  These are the role models for the upcoming young female students.  The article argues that within the 50 years the credit that the university claims is that of recognising that female performance in academic was very much encumbered by both biological and social dispositions and was likely to drop if not supported.  With evidence it brings to the attention of the university that a real female academic revolution has yet to come which ensures that female students pursue their academic obligations in a fair gender environment both for students and staff without prejudice or preference. It concludes that the promise of emancipation for the women of Tanzania will depend on ensuring that at intellectual level they achieve their rightful academic grades and be supported to surpass the biological and socio-economic encumbrances so a so open up their rightful opportunities and responsibilities in various job opportunities.