The journey leading to this year’s International Day of the Girl Child was filled with excitement, reflection, and the undeniable spirit of change. For C-Sema, this wasn’t just another event; it was a movement that began long before October 11th, where young girls from some of Tanzania’s most underserved regions, often unheard found their voices and boldly shared their visions for a more equal future. Together, we celebrated their resilience, leadership, and the shared commitment to tearing down the barriers that still hold them back.
C-Sema staff and students from Ukenyenge Primary School in Kishapu DC during the satelite event.
In the weeks leading-up to the main event, we embarked on a series of satellite activities under the Chaguo Langu Haki Yangu (CLHY) project, supported by UNFPA. These events, held in schools across Kilosa, Kishapu, and Kahama DC, brought together over 1,300 girls, offering them a platform to discuss their dreams, their challenges, and the power of education and leadership in their lives.
As we listened to these girls, we witnessed something remarkable—leaders in the making. From Leah, a confident Grade 3 student from Ukenyenge Primary, who firmly asserted that girls deserve equal rights and the chance to lead, to Gift, a thoughtful Grade 6 student, who spoke about how harmful cultural practices and patriarchal systems erode girls' confidence and block their paths to leadership. These conversations were raw, insightful, and undeniably powerful, setting the stage for the main event that followed.
In Dodoma
The official commemoration on October 11th in Dodoma was the culmination of these dialogues, as we came together with six partner organizations and welcomed over 200 girls from across the country to the Girl Agenda Forum. An annual convening which brings together girls from different backgrounds and girls’ rights stakeholders to celebrate girls’ achievements and highlight different challenges that hinder girls to unleash their full potential.
This year's theme, "Girls and Leadership: Leveraging the Power of Technology," carried a lot of weight, and the energy in the room was palpable—a shared belief that girls have an equal right to take their place at the decision-making tables of today and tomorrow.
One of the many young future leaders addressing the event's participants.
Distinguished speakers reinforced this message. Dr. Majaliwa, Assistant Representative of UNFPA Tanzania, passionately reminded the girls of their power, stressing the importance of leaders to create safe access to digital platforms as a tool for leadership. He urged them to seize these opportunities with courage. He said, "Digital technology can be a powerful tool for girls, but it is up to us to ensure that they have safe access to these opportunities."
Similarly, Mr. Peter Mwakabaja from Plan International emphasized the critical role parents play in shaping the futures of their daughters, encouraging intentionality in every conversation they have with their children. "What we say to them shapes how they see themselves," he reminded the audience.
The highlight of the day was the personal interaction between the girls and the guest of honor, Hon. Ambassador Liberata Mula Mula during the "Meet the Leader" session. Sharing her inspiring journey from a village upbringing to national leadership, she left the girls with words that will resonate for a lifetime: "There are no shortcuts to success. Respect yourself, trust the process, and always remember, you are enough." Her message was simple yet profound, fueling the girls' dreams and reinforcing their belief in their own potential.
Ambassador Liberata Mula Mula engaging with girls during the meet the leader session.
As the forum progressed, the girls took the lead in breakout sessions, engaging in conversations about how technology could enhance their leadership potential. These discussions were practical focusing on the real digital opportunities available to them, and how they could leverage these tools to create lasting change in their communities.
The voices of these girls were anchored in a powerful position statement that represented the dreams and demands of over 6,600 girls from across Tanzania. They called on their parents, communities, and government to support their education, dismantle harmful cultural norms, and ensure policies that empower them to lead. Their message was clear: girls are not just future leaders; they are leaders today.
The girls spoke not only for themselves but for every girl who has ever been told she cannot lead, they spoke for those who have been denied opportunities because of their gender. And, in doing so, they demonstrated that the future of leadership in Tanzania is bright, bold, and undoubtedly equitable.
In Zanzibar
We had the privilege of joining the Government of Zanzibar and other child rights organizations to celebrate the girl child at Maruhubi Tourism College. Under the theme ‘’Empower the Girl Child to Raise Her Voice’’, the day was filled with inspiring conversations and the voices of young girls leading the way.
One of our partners addressing the critical issue of male engagement in advocating for girl rights.
Starting with a powerful panel discussion where girls took charge. Ilham, a former NCAB Chair, spoke passionately about how life skills empower girls to break free from early marriage and dependency. Salha, a Children’s Council member, highlighted the urgent need for more boarding schools to protect girls from child marriage and harassment. Udhaima, another young leader, called for more women in leadership, urging girls to pursue their education and believe in their own potential.
A special moment during the day was when Mansur, a former NCAB member, recited a heartfelt poem advocating for continued investment in girls. His call for action directed at the government, parents, and CSOs acted to remind us all of the critical role male allies play in supporting gender equality.
Hon. Anna Athanas Paul, the Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Community Development Gender Elderly and Children Zanzibar who was also the guest of honor, spoke profoundly on the importance of treating all children; girls and boys with different abilities equally. She urged parents to engage in meaningful conversations with their children, listen to their thoughts, and encourage them to take up leadership roles even when they think they aren’t capable. She also stressed the significance of safe, responsible use of technology and its potential to positively shape girls’ futures.
Some of the girls who attended the commemorations at Maruhubi Tourism college.
The event also featured a unique activity where attendees, including the guest of honor, decorated a backdrop banner with their hopes for the future of girls. These aspirations were read aloud, signaling a collective vision for a more inclusive and empowered future.
The Hon. Anna Athanas Paul writing her hopes for the future of Tanzanian girls.
As this year’s International Day of the Girl Child drew to a close, one thing became strikingly evident: the voices of girls are not just shaping the future, they are shaping the present. At C-Sema, we are honored to stand and walk alongside them on this journey, empowering them to rise, speak, and lead.
Prepared by C-Sema's Communications Team.
This article has been produced in part, with the financial assistance of UNFPA. The contents of this text are the sole responsibility of C-Sema & Girl Agenda Forum partners and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of UNFPA.