I am born and raised on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam in a Pare-Christian family. Tanzania’s culture has instilled in me the values of peace and unity – values that have unified cultures together. Recently, I was awarded admission and a four-year scholarship to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with a minor in Public Health for my undergraduate education in the United States of America.
Despite the remarkable diversity that holds our country together, the culture of silencing females is practised and emphasized within Tanzania. Several rules govern how women should act in the presence of males, making our lives as constrained as a fist – “Kneel,” “Bow down” and following the mantra of “good girls are quiet girls.” These rules are a major setback to the development and future of my country, leading to gender inequality, male-imposed career choices, dropping out of school and forced early marriages.
Fortunately, I was given a chance to become a force to help liberate Tanzanian women when I was awarded admission to attend the United World College of East Africa. I have gained knowledge and discovered the world’s diversity of cultures and traditions while becoming a major impact in the lives of people in my community. I have volunteered for Simba Footprints, a service project in which I taught Maths and English to children aged five to seventeen, to stress the importance of education. Through donations and fundraisings, Simba Footprints was able to provide sanitary towels to girls who miss school during their menstrual cycles due to economic challenges. I was then selected to attend the Together for Development short course held in eSwatini that allowed me to interact with young people to become assets of fostering change in our communities.
Furthermore, I participated in the EAMUN (UN – Kenya) and represented the Human Rights Committees in an attempt to gain exposure to the critical process of planning and problem-solving where I won Best Resolution. Moving forward, I was awarded a full-ride scholarship to participate in the Global Leadership Programme at Oxford Royale Academy (ORA). An opportunity that allowed me to explore potential responses to challenges in future political scenarios, enhance my analytical thought, debating, communication and presentation. I then began teaching English through plays and conversations to young girls who did not access tertiary education through the More than a Drop project – empowering curiosity. I hope to continue using my voice to empower girls who have lost hope for their future and lead them to pursue productive, independent careers for better futures.
After completing my University studies, I hope to return back home and create opportunities for young women to voice their opinions that will build the betterment of the country.