International Women’s Day (IWD) is a significant occasion to celebrate women’s achievements and advocate for gender equality across the world.  This year, Mikindani hosted the IWD event on behalf of the Mtwara region.  The motto for Mtwara IWD this year was “Wanawake na Wasichana 2025 Tuimarishe Haki, Usawa na Uwezeshaj” which translates as “Women and Girls 2025 Let's Strengthen Justice, Equality and Empowerment”.  The Guest of Honour was the District Commissioner of Mtwara Municipal on behalf of Regional Commissioner.

Wanawake na Wasichana 2025 Tuimarishe Haki, Usawa na Uwezeshaj

Media Engagement and Awareness

In the lead-up to IWD, EdUKaid’s program manager Bintially Mfangavo visited two major radio stations in Mtwara to raise awareness about our initiatives, particularly our income skills project. The radio stations, HFM Radio and Safari Media, reach a combined audience of nearly 2.8 million listeners across Mtwara, Lindi, and Ruvuma regions. During these interviews, there was an overwhelming response from listeners with over 200 text messages and calls from those eager to learn more about the project and how they could get involved.

The Event

On the event day, EdUKaid staff and beneficiaries from our Income Skills Project had a prominent stand to showcase the products made by the girls, engage with the community, and demonstrate their new skills. This was an opportunity to highlight and support young girls who had dropped out of school due to financial difficulties, early pregnancies, and early marriage. Many of these girls have not only overcome barriers to education but also faced gender discrimination and violence within their households and communities.

Empowering Young Girls

During the event, the girls shared their stories and demonstrated the activities they are now engaged in to improve their lives. This includes empowerment programs with mentorship and educational sessions, vocational training in skills such as tailoring, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship, and community engagement efforts to advocate for policies supporting girls’ education and protection from gender-based violence. Through these efforts, IWD served as a platform to inspire action and create opportunities for young girls, ensuring they are not left behind but empowered to shape their own future.

Showcasing Their Products

Our beneficiaries successfully sold 10 boxes of chalks and 15 litres of liquid soap, generating a total of Tsh 50,000. This not only provided financial support to our beneficiaries but also reinforced the importance of vocational training in empowering young girls and women. The event allowed attendees to see the unique products and skills that their fellow women possess.

Praise from the Guest of Honour

The Guest of Honour visited our tent and was amazed at the great work we are doing with young girls. He highlighted the issue of girls dropping out of school and emphasized that our project is a good start in raising awareness in the community. He called for the expansion of the project to reach more young girls in Mtwara, who are often left behind due to cultural norms that restrict them to household roles.

A Resounding Success

The 2025 IWD celebration was a resounding success, with strong community engagement through media and event participation. The positive feedback and high level of interest from listeners and attendees highlight the importance of continued efforts in promoting education, skills development, and economic empowerment for women and girls.

Join us in celebrating and supporting the empowerment of women and girls in Mtwara. Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for all.