ZANZIBAR: EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD Maua Ussi, who became a mother at 15, is now a thriving entrepreneur thanks to a programme by the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) supported by the Malala Fund. After facing numerous challenges, including disrupted education and limited family support, Maua is now focused on her future, decorating women and tourists using traditional “henna” paint.
“I prefer not to dwell on my past,” Maua said. “I want to work hard for myself and my baby.” She is one of 55 beneficiaries of a project that provided training in cooking, weaving and body decoration, along with skills in beekeeping and honey harvesting.
Launched in May 2023, the project targeted young girls and child mothers in Unguja North, aiming to empower them with skills for income-generating activities. It also established School Gender Clubs to encourage vocational training and prepare young girls for future challenges.
The initiative, titled “Young Girls and Women in Zanzibar Are Self-Reliant and Become Contributing Members of Society,” successfully increased awareness and access to education while advocating for young women’s rights.
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According to project officers Mr. Abdulrahman Suleiman and Ms Habiba Situmai Saidi, the initiative benefited many young girls and mothers, including those with disabilities.
The training encompassed arts and crafts, enabling participants to produce and sell products to support themselves and their children.
Collaboration among various stakeholders, including district education officials and local leaders, was key to the project’s success. However, challenges remain, including societal stigma surrounding teen pregnancy and insufficient resources for education.
Habiba pointed out the necessity for community involvement to support young mothers in returning to school and pursuing educational opportunities.
The project culminated in a ceremony attended by Unguja Urban District Commissioner Rashid Msaraka, who praised FAWE’s contributions to the community while cautioning against potential cultural impacts of external funding.
Maraksa warned that some donors might attach conditions that conflict with local traditions and values, particularly concerning human rights discussions. He called for a collective effort to protect cultural integrity while fostering educational opportunities for young girls and mothers.
The project has paved the way for future initiatives aimed at empowering young women in Zanzibar, emphasising the importance of education and com