Neema Lugangira Appointed Secretary-General of Women Political Leaders in Brussels

• Neema Lugangira, the former Special Seats MP of Tanzania was appointed Secretary-General of Women Political Leaders (WPL) Brussels
• A significant step forward to enhance the presence and voice of Tanzanian women in global political space

Former Member of Parliament of Tanzanian Special Seats Neema Lugangira has officially assumed the role of Secretary-General of Women Political Leaders (WPL) in Brussels, effective June 1, 2025. The move is a significant win for increasing the representation and influence of Tanzanian women in the global political arena.

WPL is a global network of women leaders — presidents, prime ministers, and ministers — who work to promote political engagement of women and increase their voice, influence, and leadership globally. Neema, being a renowned global champion of digital innovation and women's empowerment, is infusing huge experience and visionary passion into this vital position.

WPL President and Founder Silvana Koch-Mehrin welcomed the appointment:

"Neema is a shining leader with a fine track record of action, influence, and innovation. Her appointment marks WPL's commitment to strengthening our global influence and improving the role of women at the highest levels of political decision-making."

Prior to her appointment as Secretary-General, Neema was WPL's Special Envoy for Africa, Founding Chair of the African Parliamentary Network on Internet Governance (APNIG), and Chair of the Global Parliamentary Caucus on Neglected Tropical Diseases. She also co-chaired the Executive Committee of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement and served on the Board of the Parliamentary Network of the World Bank and IMF.

Her professional life has been characterized by advocacy at the nexus of health equity, digitalization, nutrition, and gender equality. She led the first-ever WPL FemAI Lab in Tanzania, a pioneering effort examining the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance women's political leadership.