Celebrating Women, Empowering Generations: The Ifakara Women’s Day 2025

Every March 8th, the world pauses to honor the strength, resilience, and achievements of women across all sectors of society. At the Ifakara Innovation Hub, this day is more than a celebration—it is a reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to creating spaces where women are seen, heard, supported, and empowered. We believe that innovation cannot be fully realised without the full and equal participation of women. From science and entrepreneurship to community leadership, women are at the heart of the transformative work we champion everyday. That is why we stand proudly with the global movement for gender equity, committed to driving inclusive development that leaves no woman behind.

This year, on March 13th, 2025, we hosted the Ifakara International Women’s Day (IWD)event, themed "Accelerate Progress." The event brought together women from across the Ifakara community in a vibrant celebration of inclusivity, empowerment, and forward momentum. Our goal was to amplify the voices and work of local women changemakers, highlight their contributions to economic development, and showcase the opportunities that support their continued success.

The event featured a dynamic mix of activities designed to inspire, educate, and connect.We opened with a powerful documentary spotlighting Dada Lead, a women-led initiative combating period poverty by creating reusable sanitary towels for low-income girls and women. This initiative exemplifies how local innovation can tackle societal taboos, foster dignity, and ensure no girl is left behind due to a lack of menstrual products. The documentary highlighted the vital role women play in solving community challenges for the sake of future generations.

A key component of the event was a thought-provoking panel discussion titled"Equal Opportunities for All—Is It Possible?" The session explored real-world pathways for gender equity across health, entrepreneurship, governance, and innovation. The panel featured diverse voices: Ms. Sharifa Chombo from the Ifakara Town Council, Dr. Getrude Mollel from the Ifakara Health Institute, Mr. Abbas Sykes from the Ifakara Innovation Hub, and Ms. Everester Kessy from Kazi Startfunding.

Dr. Getrude underscored the intersectionality between health, policy, and emerging technologies like virtual reality in improving mental wellness, while also calling for greater youth engagement in health. Ms. Sharifa discussed government loan opportunities prioritized for women, emphasizing their role in economic empowerment. Ms. Everester presented Kazi Startfunding’s credit-free loan model, designed to support innovative, community-based women entrepreneurs. Mr. Abbas highlighted IIH’s track record in supporting impactful women-led startups like Dada Lead, Pamoto Poa, and Mama Check, reinforcing theIIH commitment to achieving at least 50% women participation across our programs.

The discussion emphasized the importance of dismantling stereotypes, creating enabling environments, and the shared responsibility of uplifting each other. A call to action echoed throughout: every woman has the potential to create change, and every person has a role in supporting her.

A moving moment of the evening came through a poem performance by a student from SFUCHAS, inspired by poet Jennae Cecelia. Titled "I Met My Younger Self for Coffee", the poem invited participants to reflect on their journeys and appreciate their growth. This emotional and introspective moment resonated with the audience, serving as a reminder of strength, resilience, and the importance of self-love.

The event concluded with a networking dinner—an opportunity for continued exchange, collaboration, and celebration in a relaxed setting.

The Ifakara IWD 2025 event reaffirmed our ongoing mission to promote gender equity through innovation, collaboration, and community. We remain steadfast in creating inclusive spaces where women thrive and where their ideas, businesses, and leadership drive lasting impact.

As we lookahead, we carry with us the energy, stories, and calls to action from this day.We are reminded that progress happens not in isolation but through collective commitment and everyday acts of empowerment. By continuing to champion the voices of women and support their journeys, we take one step closer to a future where equity is not just imagined but fully realized.