Girls’ voices take centre stage
DAR ES SALAAM: MORE than 5,000 Tanzanian girls are expected to participate in school and community activities ahead of the 2026 Girl Agenda Forum, with selected participants set to represent their peers at the national event in Dar es Salaam.
The satellite events will provide girls with a platform to discuss challenges and opportunities affecting their lives, present recommendations, showcase their talents and identify support needed from communities and other stakeholders.
The activities are part of preparations for the International Day of the Girl Child, marked on October 11, and will be held under the theme ‘Raising Girls’ Voices for Sustainable Development.’
Ms Letisia Mswaki, a Board advisory member of Msichana Initiative, one of the organisers, said the ninth edition of the forum will focus on education, safety and protection, digital technology, leadership, skills and economic opportunities.
“The forum will also build on last year’s discussions, which focused on equipping girls with skills needed for future employment and Tanzania’s long-term development agenda,” Ms Mswaki said.
She said about 200 girls are expected to attend the main forum, together with 50 representatives from the government, development agencies, civil society organisations, educators, parents, guardians and the media.
According to organisers, the Girl Agenda Forum was first held in Dodoma in 2017 and has since reached more than 15,000 girls and young women across the country.
“This year’s programme will include a digital Girls’ Voices Hub and discussions on the Sustainable Development Goals,” Ms Mswaki said.
She said the initiative seeks to ensure girls are not merely beneficiaries of development programmes, but actively participate in discussions and decisions affecting their lives.
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Najma Likunda, a student at Kijitonyama Science Secondary School, said the forum would enable girls to discuss issues including education, technology, leadership and economic opportunities.
Jenifa Toji, a Form Three student at Makongo Juu Secondary School, said the initiative gives girls and young women an opportunity to learn from one another, exchange experiences and advocate for their rights.
Expirence Kobelo, a Standard Six pupil at Msasani Primary School, said the forum would allow girls to raise concerns affecting them in their communities.
“We will also be able to share our ideas and recommendations, participate in decisions that affect us and lead discussions,” she said.
The forum is organised by Msichana Initiative, TAI, GLAMI, Flaviana Matata Foundation and Wote Sawa, in collaboration with the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups.
Organisers called on the government, businesses, civil society organisations and development partners to act on the recommendations from girls and translate their views into concrete action.
