Who Is Samia Hassan? Tanzania President Under Fire For Her Remarks On Female Footballers

Who is Samia Suluhu Hassan: The Tanzanian President was subjected to criticisms after her remark on women footballers at a ceremony on August 22. She said, "For those who have flat chests, you might think they are men and not women," and also suggested that they would not be attractive candidates for marriage.

Ever since the remark on women footballers, netizens took to social media to call out the currently serving president who is also the only female to do so in Africa apart from Ethiopia's mainly ceremonial President Sahle-Work Zewde.

Hassan made the comment on women footballers at a football event where ironically she also called for better funding for women's sports.

According to surfaced videos of the speech made by Hassan, she added that men usually look for someone attractive as their partner and would not wish to marry women footballers who have a flat chest. She said, "you want someone who is attractive, a lady who has the qualities that you want," adding that for the women footballers "those qualities have disappeared".

Who Is Samia Suluhu Hassan?

Following the death of former President John Magufuli, Hassan took the oath as the new head of the state this year in March. She previously was the first woman to hold the position of the Vice President of Tanzania.

Here Are 8 Things To Know About Her:

1. Having graduated from the Institute of Development Management in Public Administration, Hassan went for post-graduation in Community Economic Development. Her PG was via a joint program between the Open University of Tanzania and the Southern New Hampshire University.
2. Previously, MP January Makamba once called Hassan to be the most underrated politician in Tanzania and also said, I have observed at close quarters her work ethic, decision-making, and temperament. She is a very capable leader.”
3. Back in 2000, Hassan was also the first elected a member of the Zanzibar House of Representatives for a special seat.
4. Later, she was appointed as a Minister by former President Amani Abeid Karume of Zanzibar.
5. Having won the Magufuli-Suluhu ticket in the General Elections of 2015, Hassan became the first female vice-president.
6. Hassan tied knots with a retired agricultural officer Hafidh Ameir.
7. Hassan is also a mother to four children including three sons and a daughter.
8. One of Hassan's children, Wanu Hafidh Ameir holds a special seat in the Zanzibar House of Representatives.

Read more about her here.

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