Tamwa’s founder Leyla Sheikh dies aged 65

The Co-founder of Tanzania Media Women’s Association (TAMWA), Leyla Sheikh has died, aged 65.

According to TAMWA, Leyla passed away on Sunday night and will be buried in Tanga on Tuesday (June 13, 2023).

Leila Sheikh was a Tanzanian journalist, women’s rights activist and a blogger.

While in TAMWA, she served in various positions including being the Association’s Executive Director in 1996.

The deceased documented TAMWA’s history but also, she was the editor of TAMWA’s magazine and Sauti ya Siti [Women’s Voice].

In 1992 she oversaw a special issue on violence against women, with funding from the Swedish International Development Agency.