Doyenne Organization Celebrates International Women’s Day 2023
March 8, Dar es Salaam. Doyenne, known for its female leadership-centered projects, joined hands with the rest of the world to celebrate International Women’s Day, an event where women are celebrated for their positive impacts on society.
With the embracement and honor of equality and inclusive leadership in higher learning institutions here in Tanzania, we can make a huge difference. Through an impactful dialogue organized by these young and powerful female leaders, from the Niongoze Fellowship and Alumnae network;
Speaking at the organization’s headquarters, Doyenne’s Executive Director, Ms. Fatma Kauga welcomed the vibrant and young female leaders from across the country and introduced them to the key purpose of this historic day.
“We have all gathered here to celebrate these young women and let them know they are on the right path, and we are here to cheer them,” said Fatma
Fatma explained the organization’s dedication to ensure that Tanzania has qualified female leaders through nurturing and instilling leadership qualities in these young women. She further welcomed all female leaders to use the Doyenne headquarters as a space for their programs and projects in their leadership journey.
“You are welcome to Tanzania’s Young Female Leaders Headquarters, and I hope to see you all use this office as a hub for your growth in your leadership careers and endeavors,” Fatma said.
Ms. Edna Yonazi, Arusha’s Institute of Accounting student’s parliament speaker, kicked off the discussion by asking how these female leaders create and empower other young women within their scope of leadership. Ms. Khadija Ussi, a leader from Hubert Kariuki Memorial University, explained that she offers mentoring and coaching when she spots a talent in another woman.
“I shine away from finding a perfect person, but rather molding them and applying empathy to ensure we all grow as a team,” said Ussi The dialogue then turned to discuss how men can be involved in the movement towards a society with gender equality. Ms. Khadija Msumi, a leader from the University of Dar es Salaam, whose father was in the audience, explained the importance of fathers in empowering their daughters and how fortunate she was to have a father who championed equality.
“I remember growing up, my father used to challenge me to do better in school. He always challenged me when I came second place after a boy” explained Msumi. This kind of discourse is crucial to the women’s leadership movement as progress can only happen once everyone starts doing their part.
The panel further cemented the importance of having a lot more male allies in the movement. They believed having more HeForShe champions in society will help to change the existing gender stereotypes and lead to a gender-just community.
“We should constantly involve men in the conversations and environments like this hoping that someday it will pay off,” Said Ms. Nyazobe Makwaia a leader from Ardhi University. The panel further insisted on the importance of having structures and systems in place that ensure that inequality is in check.
“It is important to structure and be a support system to other young female leaders as well as sharing and proposing an opportunity for our fellow young female leaders,” detailed Barbara, a retired leader from the Center for Foreign Relations.
Concluding the discussion, Ms. Maryam Surveh, a leader from Lugalo Medical School, encouraged her fellow young leaders to take up leadership opportunities such as the Niongoze Fellowship offered by the Doyenne Organization and other opportunities to scale up their leadership careers and exposure.
“I urge my fellow young women to use these opportunities to improve themselves,” said Surveh.“It’s important we also invest our time in extracurriculars such as these and not just focus on our studies, you can be a doctor and still serve your community as a leader.”
International Women’s Day is an opportunity for us to reflect on the progress we have made towards gender equality and to renew our commitment to empowering women and girls. At Doyenne, we are proud to have played a role in our fellows to take on leadership positions and to advocate for the life that they are entitled to. As we look ahead, we know that there is still much work to be done, but we are inspired by the resilience and determination of the women we work with. We will continue to stand with them as they strive for a more just and equal world.
