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From MP to the UN, she has women at heart

Friday June 17 2016
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Gertrude Mongella is a respected Tanzanian educationist, diplomat and international gender activist who loves nature and can gaze at its beauty for hours. PHOTO | CHRIS KIDANKA

Gertrude Ibengwe Mongella became the first president of the Pan-African Parliament in 2004 and is better known for her role at the 1995 Beijing Conference on Women, which she chaired courtesy of being the vice-chairperson of the World Conference to Review and Appraise the Achievements of the UN Decade for Women. She was then a UN assistant secretary-general.

Mrs Mongella, a graduate of the University of East Africa in Dar es Salaam, is an educationist by profession and has served in the public service in Tanzania in several capacities.

She is an active international gender activist and member of the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM). Since the 1970s, she has been a Member of Parliament, initially in the first East African Legislative Assembly and later, in Tanzania’s national parliament.

From 1982 until 1988, Mrs Mongella was minister of state in the Prime Minister’s Office, and served as minister of lands, tourism and natural resources, a post she held from 1985 to 1987. From 1987 to 1990 she was a minister without portfolio in the President’s Office.

In the 1990s, Mrs Mongella served in several capacities from diplomat for the government of Tanzania to UN under-secretary general holding portfolios pertaining to specific women issues.

In 1997, Mrs Mongella was senior advisor to the executive secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa on gender issues, and the next year she became a member of the then OAU sitting on the Women’s Committee for Peace and Development.

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She became a member and president of the Pan African Parliament in 2004.

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What’s your off-duty passion?

Everything about nature. I love nature to the extent that I can sit and gaze at its beauty for hours. I like the fact that in nature, there is no straight line. As you can see here at my residence [the venue of the interview] there is a virgin forest and some monkeys. I love watching how they connect.

What would you have been if you were not a women’s rights activist today?

I would have enjoyed just being a full time housewife. That’s what I am longing for anyway. Being more of a housewife than anything else.

What signifies your personal style and how do you manage your wardrobe?

Simple. Look at my hair style. Short, simple and natural. I like to look the same all the time so that one does not struggle to recognise me.
My wardrobe is full of long dresses and simple jewellery. I never go for complicated jewellery to look like a movie star. I keep it simple.

While you are in East Africa, where are you most likely to spend your Saturday afternoon?

Most probably on Lake Victoria sailing my way to Ukerewe Island. That’s the scene I never get tired of watching.

Describe your best destination yet in East Africa.

Mount Rwenzori. I just read about it and I think it is beautiful. The name itself is beautiful.

Do you have a must-visit list?

Not really. I have travelled almost the whole world to exhaust my must-visit list.

What do you see as East Africa’s strength?

Our culture. East Africans are kind and softspoken. Whenever you meet an East African you will recognise them through their kindness and politeness. That’s something to treasure and be proud of.

What is your best collection?

I collect pictures of St John Paul II. I have one of him and me among other people and I treasure it.

What is the most thoughtful gift you’ve ever received?

I consider my children priceless.

What’s the most thoughtful gift you have ever given?

I gave my late father a motorcycle which I bought with my first salary in the early 1970s. He used to give me a ride on his old motorcycle so I decided to show my gratitude by spending part of my first salary on buying him a new, better one.

Your last great read?

I reread Animal Farm by George Orwell all the time.

Which film has impacted you the most?
Hollywood’s first production of The Ten Commandments.

What’s your favourite music?

I love African traditional genres especially Kerewe traditional music.

What is never missing in your fridge?

I keep St Ann and Blue Nun wines for myself and some whisky brands for my guests.

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