Jerusa David Kitoto is a Tanzanian youth leader, human rights defender, multi-disciplinary artist, and social entrepreneur dedicated to advancing the rights and well-being of women, children, youth, Indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities.

She is the Founder and Executive Director of the Sauti ya Mtoto Foundation (SMF) a grassroots NGO driving change through advocacy, education, WASH, climate resilience, and economic empowerment programs. Established in 2018 and registered under the NGO Act, 2002 (Reg. No. 00NGO/0009450), SMF works across Tanzania to empower marginalized communities through policy advocacy, training, and community mobilization.

Through her eco-social enterprise, Jua Craft Mamas, Jerusa empowers women and youth including survivors of gender-based violence and persons with disabilities to transform biodegradable waste such as plastics, coconut shells, and tires into eco-conscious crafts. This initiative promotes the circular economy, environmental conservation, and sustainable livelihoods in Bagamoyo, Dar es Salaam, and Morogoro.

A survivor of early pregnancy and gender-based violence, Jerusa has turned her personal story into a movement of empowerment and purpose. Her work has directly supported children with Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida, provided mental health support, and created economic pathways for over 25 artisans while impacting thousands of women, youth, and children across Tanzania.

Nationally, Jerusa serves as the National Secretary of the Gender Responsive Budget Alliance (GRBA) under the Tanzania Gender Networking Program (TGNP), where she advocates for inclusive and gender-sensitive public budgeting and policy implementation. She is also the Deputy Chairperson of the Strategic Implementation Plan 2025–2030 and Thematic Lead for Entrepreneurship and Business Development under the Alumni Giveback Events (AGE), an initiative supported by the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania, implemented through the Tanzania U.S. State Alumni Association (TUSSAA).

Internationally, Jerusa is recognized as a Youth Delegate at the INC-5.2 Global Plastics Treaty Negotiations in Geneva (2025) one of only three youth globally fully funded by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). She also serves as Country Head (Tanzania) for the African Diplomatic League, and a member of the UNEP Children & Youth Major Group, where she advocates for Global South inclusion in global environmental and peace policy frameworks.

Jerusa’s leadership excellence has earned her numerous recognitions, including being a Top 50 Nominee for the 2025 Tällberg–SNF–Eliasson Global Leadership Prize, Woman of Strength Awardee (2024), and acknowledgment by United People Global as the Highest Application Mobilizer for the 2025 Biashara Class. She is also an alumna of several prestigious programs, including YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa, UPG Biashara (Diamonds Do Good 2024), and the Graça Machel Trust’s Women Creating Wealth Program.

In the 2025 elections, Jerusa courageously contested as a parliamentary aspirant for Kinondoni Constituency under Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), where she ranked 5th out of 30 aspirants a testament to her growing influence in political and civic leadership.

At the heart of her journey lies a simple mission:
“To build systems of hope, dignity, and equity for those society often overlooks ensuring that peace, justice, and sustainability begin at the grassroots and echo across borders.”