TAMWA-Zanzibar ushers in new transition leadership

ZANZIBAR: THE Tanzania Media Women’s Association (TAMWA)– Zanzibar has appointed Ms Nairati Abdallah Ali as its new Executive Director, marking a leadership transition following the long and impactful tenure of Dr Mzuri Issa Ali, who has officially stepped down.

Ms Nairati, who previously served as Programme Manager at the organisation, pledged to build on the strong foundation laid by her predecessor and to work closely with staff and partners to further strengthen TAMWAZanzibar’s role as a leading advocate for women’s and children’s rights.

“I will continue the good work that has been done and lead with teamwork, integrity and commitment to our mission,” she said.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Dr Mzuri reflected on her more than two decades of involvement with TAMWA-Zanzibar, describing journalists as the backbone of the organisation.

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“If there is one group of people who ask hard questions, pursue the truth tirelessly and often receive little or no reward, it is journalists,” she said.

“And it is these same journalists who form the pillar of TAMWA-Zanzibar.” Dr Mzuri said her journey with TAMWA began in 2002, when the organisation was implementing a single short-term project addressing violence against women and children.

She recalled how, together with fellow board members, fought to keep the Zanzibar office operational despite limited resources after the project ended.

“We believed the work had only just begun,” she said, recounting the difficult early years marked by funding shortages, reliance on volunteerism and learning project management from scratch to sustain the organisation.

Her efforts bore fruit in 2007 when TAMWA-Zanzibar secured its own registration, followed by the implementation of the Women Empowerment in Zanzibar (WEZA) project from 2008 to 2011, which strengthened women’s economic, social and leadership capacities across the Islands.

Under her leadership, TAMWA-Zanzibar grew into a respected institution with 82 journalist members from Unguja and Pemba, 23 professional staff, strong financial management systems, regular audited reports and its own office building in Tunguu, which also generates rental income.

Dr Mzuri highlighted key achievements, including reaching more than 11,120 women and people with disabilities through savings and lending groups, advancing legal reforms to address genderbased violence and promoting women’s political participation.