CERVICAL cancer is the most common cancer in Tanzania, and is the leading cause of cancer related morbidity and mortality in women in the country.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tanzania has one of the highest rates of cervical cancer in the world, with an estimated 6,000 women dying from the disease each year.
As the leading cause of death among women in Tanzania, cervical cancer is a significant health concern that requires urgent action.
Once a year, a transformative social event called ‘Somo na Mwari’ awakens hope and empowerment in the hearts of Tanzanian women. Faced with the devastating challenges posed by cervical cancer, this unique gathering aims to change the narrative and provide vital knowledge and support to combat the disease.
On June 23, at the prestigious Golden Jubilee Tower in Dar es Salaam, over 1,000 women from diverse backgrounds will come together to stand against this silent killer.
Organised by Brembo, a natural cosmetics company deeply invested in community engagement, ‘Somo na Mwari’ strives to promote excellence, innovation and knowledge amongst Tanzanian women. Recognising the critical connection between socioeconomic growth and the sharing of skills and experiences, this event serves as a bridge towards a brighter, healthier future.
Asnath Masoud, the Managing Director of Brembo, explains the event’s name: “The concept of ‘Somo na Mwari’ is derived from a Tanzanian traditional rite of passage that prepares young women for womanhood by imparting life skills and wisdom. In Swahili, ‘Somo’ refers to the mentor who imparts knowledge of traditional life issues, and ‘Mwari’ represents the woman who receives these teachings, enabling her to protect her marriage and thrive in society.”
However, in the Somo na Mwari event, the idea has taken on a modern twist. The objective now is to empower women through economic development and capacity-building.
Although the overarching goal of ‘Somo na Mwari’ is to empower women through economic development and capacity-building, the event’s organisers place particular emphasis on educating participants about the lifestyle choices that can lead to cervical cancer.
By fostering an inclusive environment that welcomes women from various educational, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds, ‘Somo na Mwari’ seeks to provide an equal platform for every attendee.
The event’s previous edition, graced by Dr Dorothy Gwajima, the Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Children, drew in approximately 400 women. This year, that number is projected to more than double, with over 800 women having already confirmed their attendance. The anticipation surrounding this vital gathering is palpable.
“As we bring together educators from diverse fields, we aim to cover a range of economic, social, and health topics, with a primary focus on addressing cervical cancer,” highlights Ms Asnath Masoud, her eyes shining with enthusiasm for the cause.
To ensure an engaging and memorable experience, ‘Somo na Mwari’ features various forms of entertainment, including live music, delectable food and refreshing drinks. The organisers believe that by combining education with enjoyment, participants will remain captivated and motivated to absorb valuable information from speakers representing different professions and backgrounds, including influential community figures.
“We want to ensure that participants are not only informed but also thoroughly engaged throughout the event,” Ms Asnath affirms, underscoring the event’s commitment to providing a stimulating platform for women to learn and freely ask questions related to their reproductive health.
Moreover, ‘Somo na Mwari’ encourages women to take charge of their reproductive health by advocating for regular checkups and screenings.
Accomplishing this goal involves a series of presentations by medical professionals, as well as interactive sessions where women can openly share experiences, knowledge, and support each other.
Ms Zainabu Shomari, the event’s matron and Vice-Chairperson of the United Women of Tanzania (UWT), a significant wing of the ruling party, emphasises the event’s significance in addressing cervical cancer. She passionately highlights how ‘Somo na Mwari’ serves as an educational platform, enlightening participants on the lifestyle choices that directly contribute to cervical cancer, such as casual sex, excessive consumption of oily and fatty foods, and indulgence in tobacco.
“The ‘Somo na Mwari’ event holds great importance in our fight against cervical cancer, a disease that threatens the lives of countless women in our country,” Ms Shomari asserts, her dedication to the cause evident in every word.
With each passing year, ‘Somo na Mwari’ grows stronger, empowering Tanzanian women and equipping them with knowledge and support to confront cervical cancer head-on. Armed with newfound wisdom, these women are transforming the narrative and paving the way for a brighter future, free from the burdens imposed by this devastating disease.
Recognising the importance of the event, various institutions, including the Centre for Communications, Education and Public Awareness Tanzania (CEPA Tanzania), have expressed their commitment to collaborating with the organisers to increase participation and enthusiasm among stakeholders.
Mr James Lazaro, Programme Coordinator at CEPA Tanzania, commends the sincere intentions of the organisers and pledges to support the event’s goal of educating the public about cervical cancer.
“As a non-profit organisation focused on driving social changes through effective communication, CEPA Tanzania is committed to working alongside the Somo na Mwari organisers to improve message delivery and expand outreach.’’ He insists.
Somo na Mwari is an excellent example of how businesses can make a positive impact on their communities beyond their core products and services. By organising this event, Brembo, the company behind the event, is not only promoting its brand but also contributing to the fight against cervical cancer and empowering women across Tanzania.
In conclusion, Somo na Mwari represents a powerful initiative aimed at women’s empowerment and the fight against cervical cancer in Tanzania. By prioritising education, healthcare, and community support, the event promotes a better understanding of reproductive health and encourages women to take charge of their well-being.
With committed organisations like Brembo and collaborative institutions like CEPA Tanzania, Somo na Mwari promises to positively impact the lives of many Tanzanian women and contribute to lasting social and economic changes.
