How Mantra Tanzania Works For Sustainable Women Empowerment, Safeguarding Health And Nutrition Environment -

By Valentine Oforo

AS the International Women’s Day
(IWD) nearing, a sense of anticipation and commitment fills the air at Mantra
Tanzania, a ROSATOM subsidiary company which currently on the cusp of launching
its uranium mining operations in the heart of Tanzania.

Amidst the meticulous preparations,
a core value shines brightly at the forefront of Mantra’s mission, the
empowerment of women, the patriotic value which is not merely a statement, but
a guiding principle that intertwines with every facet of the company’s daily
operations.

A vibrant uranium mining company,
christened ‘Mantra Tanzania Limited’, which operates in Namtumbo-Ruvuma, is
highly committed to promoting gender diversity and inclusivity within its
workforce.

Giving an exclusive interview to
this publication, the company’s Legal Manager, Dua Mbapila Rwehumbiza expressed
that company is working to create a working environment where women are
encouraged to excel and lead.

“We’re planning to achieve
this by implementing targeted recruitment strategies and professional
development programs to ensure that women not only join their teams but also
thrive and advance in their careers,” Rwehumbiza expressed.

She added that, in the realm of
operational safety, the Mkuju River Project owners, Mantra, are unwavering in
their adherence to the highest standards, saying the timely protocols are
meticulously crafted to align with the Tanzanian Atomic Energy Commission
(TAEC) and international benchmarks, drawing from ROSATOM’s extensive expertise
in uranium mining.

Speaking on her side, Khadija
Kawawa, Mantra Sustainability Advisor and former Public Relations Manager said
the company has currently kept focus on Investing in women’s health
initiatives, not only improving the well-being of the community but also
contributing to sustainable development.

Kawawa elaborated further that the
introduction of the alternative livelihood sustainable project in the Likuyu
community exemplifies Mantra Tanzania’s holistic approach to empowerment,
saying the initiative has been designed to provide mostly women with new
economic opportunities, equipping them with the skills and resources needed to
start their own businesses or engage in sustainable agriculture.

“By fostering economic independence,
we are enabling women to be architects of their own futures and active
participants in their community’s growth,” she insisted.

Expressing over the same
interventions, the Managing Director of Mantra Tanzania, Aleksandr Riabchenko,
noted that empowering women was integral to the enduring prosperity of the
company’s operations and the entire regions that Mantra Tanzania serve.

“At Mantra, we are committed to
creating a work environment that fosters and nurtures female talent, ensuring
that women have equitable access to future employment opportunities in both
critical and professional roles. Through continuous learning and development programs,
we aim to cultivate a diverse leadership pipeline that will drive innovation
and excellence within the Tanzanian Mining Industry,” Riabchenko observed.

Moreover, in his recent statement,
Riabchenko expressed deep appreciation for the pivotal role played by the
Namtumbo District Commissioner, Hon. Ngollo Malenya, in fostering collaboration
and progress within Namtumbo, especially in assisting the company to attain it
women empowerment zeal.

Majani Wambura, Mantra’s
Sustainability Manager detailed that the company’s corporate social
responsibility (CSR) efforts are closely aligned with environmental
stewardship, recognizing that women often bear the brunt of environmental
degradation.

He said the company is devoted to
implementing environmentally sound practices throughout its operations, with an
eye to minimize ecological footprint, added “We engage women in our
environmental programs, empowering them to become custodians of their natural
surroundings and beneficiaries of a cleaner, more sustainable world.”

He added that the spirit of
International Women’s Day, Mantra Tanzania celebrates the vital role that women
play not only in the company, but also in the fabric of Tanzanian
society.

“We are very proud to be a catalyst
for positive change, demonstrating through action that the empowerment of women
is interwoven with the success of our operations, the health of our
communities, and the preservation of our environment,” he added.

As Mantra witnesses the historic
leadership of Her Excellency Dr President Samia Suluhu, the company reminded of
the immense potential and capability of women in positions of authority.
According to the company, President Samia Suluhu’s groundbreaking achievement
illustrates the power of women in shaping the future of our nation.

Mantra Tanzania embraces spirit of
leadership and is committed to fostering an environment where women are
prepared to assume leadership roles at all levels, reflecting our belief in the
essential role women play in driving positive change and progress, not just
within our company but within society as a whole. Among others, the company is
dedicated to empowering women to take the helm and contribute to a future where
gender equality and inclusive leadership are the norm.