Celebrating Women, Restoring Hope, Reawakening Dreams
Every year, I join millions of people around the world to mark International Women’s Day on March 8th, a day that recognizes the strength, resilience, and potential of women across all walks of life. Through my platform called “Jukwaa Langu Heshima Yangu”, I aim to contribute to this global movement in a personal and meaningful way — by encouraging women who are still fighting for their dreams, and more importantly, by restoring hope to those who have lost theirs along the way.
This platform was created from the heart, inspired by the real-life experiences of many African women — especially those whose dreams fade slowly after entering into marriage. “Jukwaa Langu Heshima Yangu” gives them a stage, a voice, and a reminder that their dreams still matter.
Event Spotlight – Mtoni Kijichi Ward, Dar es Salaam (April 2018)
In April 2018, I organized a community-based event under this platform at Mtoni Kijichi Ward in Dar es Salaam. Although International Women’s Day is globally celebrated in March, we chose to host our local celebration in April to allow more time for preparation and deeper engagement with the community.
The main goal of the event was to remind women not to forget their personal dreams just because they have entered into the responsibilities of marriage. In many African societies, marriage is seen as the end of a woman’s journey of self-growth. Many women, once they get married, slowly step away from their goals, passions, or even careers. Some leave work entirely and stay at home, believing that their sole duty is now to care for the home and children.
While being a wife and a mother is a beautiful and honorable role, the idea that it must replace a woman’s dreams is harmful — not only to the woman herself but to the entire family. The event’s message was clear: a woman can still dream, still grow, and still contribute, even while fulfilling her role in the home.
Why This Matters
We have seen too many families fall into poverty and hardship when the husband becomes sick, loses his job, or even passes away. If the wife has been discouraged from working or building herself, the family has no backup plan. The children suffer, and the woman is left with no means to carry the family forward. This is why the empowerment of women — emotionally, mentally, and economically — is not just a women’s issue, it is a community survival issue.
Our event encouraged women to ask themselves:
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What dream did I give up after marriage?
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What skill or gift am I sitting on that could help my family?
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How can I start small and grow from there?
Activities and Engagement
During the event, we brought together women of different ages and backgrounds. We created a warm, open space where women could share their stories, listen to others, and feel supported.
Key activities included:
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Motivational talks on women’s worth and power
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Discussions about the challenges of marriage and motherhood
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Sharing success stories of women who restarted their dreams after years of silence
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A call-to-action for women to take the first small step — whether it’s starting a business, returning to school, or joining a support group
We used music, poetry, and storytelling to make the day memorable and emotional. We also documented the event with photos and videos to preserve the powerful moments that took place.
Impact
The responses from the women who attended were heartwarming. Many expressed how the platform helped them realize that their dreams were not dead — only sleeping. Some committed to starting small businesses, while others promised to return to adult education classes or restart projects they had left behind.
It was not just an event — it was a reminder and a restart button for many.
Looking Ahead
“Jukwaa Langu Heshima Yangu” is more than a one-day event — it’s a long-term commitment. I hope to continue this work in more wards, districts, and regions across the country. The message remains the same:
Marriage is not the end. Being a mother is not a limitation. Every woman has the right to dream, grow, and build — for herself and for her family.
Entertainment
We are grateful to have enjoyed a wonderful performance from this traditional dance group. All the performers — including the drummers — were women. This reminds us to appreciate and make use of what we have. Start with what you have and begin putting it to work.
Final Remarks
I thank every woman who showed up with courage, every community member who supported us, and every well-wisher who continues to believe in the value of this platform. Let’s keep reminding women that they are not forgotten, their dreams are still valid, and their strength is needed now more than ever.
Photos and videos from the event are available [here] (add link).
If you would like to support “Jukwaa Langu Heshima Yangu” or collaborate for future events, please contact us or click the support button below.
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