Mwanza — MINISTER for Community Development, Gender and Children, Sophia Simba has reiterated the government's commitment to empower women in the country.

"The government will continue to take all necessary measures aimed at empowering women. Women should all make use of available opportunities to ensure they make meaningful contribution to the national development," explained Ms Simba.

The minister was speaking at the official opening of the Tanzania Women's Bank branch in Mwanza. The opening ceremony was attended by over 300 people, mostly women. TWB's Executive Director, Ms Margreth Chacha said that the Bank has set aside about 2bn/- for loans for Mwanza residents and has already issued over 300m/- soft loans.

TWB is now two and a half years old. It was officially inaugurated on September 4, 2009 by President Jakaya Kikwete and has issued over 30bn/- soft loans to the people in need since its inception.