How Jemima forged a powerful sisterhood

IN the vibrant heart of Dar es Salaam, there’s a woman who embodies strength, compassion, and a spirit that knows no bounds.

Meet Jemima Masimba, a force to be reckoned with, not only in her professional life as the Strategic Partnerships Project Manager at Airtel, but also as a devoted wife, a proud mother, and the inspiring chairlady of Airtel Divas, the company’s dynamic women’s community.

Featured among the 100 influential women in SHEROES 2019, Jemima’s infectious smile and adventurous soul, evidenced by her two successful climbs of Mount Kilimanjaro, paint a picture of a woman who embraces life with open arms and a determined spirit.

Beyond her impressive achievements, it’s Jemima’s innate ability to connect with and uplift others that truly defines her.

“I believe my personality is defined by my ever-present smile and my compassionate nature,” she shares, a warmth radiating even through her words.

This inherent empathy, coupled with her adventurous streak, creates a unique blend that allows her to tackle challenges with both resilience and understanding. Jemima’s journey to her current impactful position is rooted in a strong educational foundation an MBA in Corporate Management and PMP certification and a solid early career.

For eight years, she honed her leadership skills as the General Manager of an engineering company, managing large-scale projects and a diverse team of site engineers.

This experience provided her with invaluable insights into people management and the intricacies of complex operations, laying the groundwork for her success at Airtel. Interestingly, the aspiration to lead a women’s community wasn’t a lifelong ambition but rather a calling that developed organically.

“Through my career, I encountered various individuals and learned to manage different emotions intelligently,” Jemima reflects. The true inspiration, however, came from observing the remarkable women leaders in Tanzania.

“Their leadership and resilience motivated me to step up and contribute to the empowerment of women in my workplace.” This inspiration blossomed into action when Jemima was appointed as the Chairlady of Airtel Divas.

It was a role she embraced wholeheartedly, viewing it as a recognition of her capabilities and the unique blend of soft and hard skills she brought to the table.

“My motivation stems from a desire to foster a supportive and empowering environment for women at Airtel,” she said. Under Jemima’s leadership, Airtel Divas is guided by a powerful set of fundamental values: respect, collaboration, gender equality, and a deep commitment to lifting each other up.

“Mentoring is also a key value,” Jemima says, highlighting the group’s belief in the transformative power of guidance and support for both personal and professional growth. What truly sets Airtel Divas apart is its unwavering commitment to equality.

“One unique tradition that defines Airtel Divas is our commitment to treating everyone equally,” Jemima states firmly.

This dedication to inclusivity ensures that every member feels valued and respected, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support.

Over the years, Airtel Divas has actively addressed key challenges in the workplace, particularly in promoting career growth and empowerment for women.

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One significant initiative has been the implementation of mentorship programmes. “These programmes provide guidance and support to women, helping them navigate their career paths and achieve their goals,” Jemima said.

Looking back at her tenure as Chairlady, Jemima identifies the most impactful achievement of Airtel Divas as the fostering of unity and solidarity among its members.

“This sense of community has empowered us to support each other and work towards common goals,” she said. Reflecting on her career journey, Jemima acknowledges the challenge of creating a truly vibrant, united, and strong community of women within the workplace.

However, through the dedication and efforts of Airtel Divas, this challenge has been successfully addressed. “Through Airtel Divas, we have successfully built a supportive network that continues to thrive and empower its members,” she affirms.

Jemima Masimba’s story is evidence to the power of leadership driven by compassion and a genuine desire to uplift others.

As she continues to scale professional peaks and champion the cause of women empowerment at Airtel, her infectious smile and unwavering spirit serve as an inspiration to us all. She is a reminder that true success lies not only in personal achievement but also in the positive impact we have on the lives of those around us.