Dismantling Barriers to Women's Leadership in Msangamkuu Village: “The First Female Chairperson"

Fatuma Katulituli, a mother of five, has made herstory as the first woman to hold the position of village chairperson in Msangamkuu Village, breaking a long-standing tradition that had excluded women from leadership roles since the village's establishment.

Married to Mr. Salumu, a fisherman, Fatuma has spent her entire life in Msangamkuu, engaging in seaweed farming and liquid soap production. When the "Wanawake Sasa" project reached Msanga mkuu Village, Fatuma was among the first women recruited as a leadership aspirant.

During her application, she passionately shared her dream of becoming a leader in her village to advocate for the construction of a secondary school. She was selected to join the program, but when she shared the news with her husband, Mr. Salumu, he initially prohibited her from participating. He expressed concerns, citing past instances where similar programs had negatively affected marriages.

With a heavy heart, Fatuma informed the FB Empowerment officer about her inability to proceed with the training. In response, FB Empowerment invited Mr. Salumu to a workshop on the importance of women in leadership, the benefits of their participation, and the need to challenge harmful cultural norms. By the end of the session, Mr. Salumu had a change of heart._ "Now I understand the value of my wife’s ambitions," _he said. _"I will support her, campaign for her, and cover any costs to ensure her success." _ This shift marked a turning point in Fatuma’s journey. With her husband’s support, she felt encouraged to pursue her dream. When the time came to collect nomination forms for political positions, Fatuma decided to run for office. She contested and was elected as the first female village chairperson in Msangamkuu Village's history.

Reflecting on her journey, Fatuma said, "This wouldn't have been possible without the Wanawake Sasa project. I have nothing to offer you but my gratitude. I promise not to let you down. I also thank my husband for standing by me." Fatuma has vowed to be a role model, inspiring other women in the community to believe in themselves and take up leadership roles. "I will ensure that women in our community are trusted and given more opportunities," she stated after being sworn in in early December 2024.

FB Empowerment remains committed to following up on Fatuma’s leadership journey, supporting her and other women in breaking barriers and creating a more inclusive and equitable community in Mtwara.

Impact of the Wanawake Sasa Project

Through the Wanawake Sasa Project, FB Empowerment implemented several initiatives, including the identification and empowerment of leadership aspirants. A total of 120 women and girls aspiring for leadership roles were identified and engaged in the project from three target wards of Msangamkuu, Kitere and Nanguruwe (40 per ward).

Three engagement meetings were conducted (one per ward), attended by 55 participants (40 women and 15 men). These included the husbands of aspirant women, religious leaders, traditional leaders, local government authorities, and influential community members. The meetings strengthened collaboration between women leadership aspirants and community influencers, such as traditional leaders, religious figures, and political representatives, to challenge gender-biased norms and support women seeking leadership positions.

Other activities were;Three leadership workshops which enhanced the leadership skills, public speaking abilities, and advocacy skills of 120 women and girls, three monthly mentorship sessions were held to further strengthen leadership aspirants' capacity to navigate challenges, understand election processes, and balance family and leadership roles. Some participants even gained full support from their families as a result. Three community awareness meetings were conducted in the project implementation wards, reaching 640 women (exceeding the target of 560 by 14%) and 392 men (exceeding the target of 360 by approximately 9%). To further amplify the project’s impact, three radio programs were aired through Funguka FM, H-FM, and Safari FM, spreading the project's message to a broader audience.

Results and Achievements

Increased Participation and Representation of Women in Leadership: Before the project, only 17 out of 120 identified women aspirants had contested for leadership positions at various levels in their communities. The remaining 103 lacked the confidence and motivation to run. However, after enrolling in the project, 76 women contested in the local government elections in November 2024, and 41 of them were elected to various positions within village governments. Among them, 39 were elected as village council members, and two were elected as village chairpersons.

Shift in Gender-Biased Attitudes and Norms: Engagement meetings facilitated discussions on the negative impact of gender-biased norms on women’s leadership participation. Political party leaders admitted that they rarely endorsed female candidates due to fears of losing against male contenders. However, the project changed their perspectives, demonstrating women's multitasking capabilities, dedication to community development, and integrity.

Additionally, radio programs and community awareness sessions have sparked discussions on dismantling gender-biased norms that limit women's ability to participate in leadership.

FB Empowerment, through the Wanawake Sasa Project supported by Women Fund Tanzania, has made significant strides in increasing women's representation in leadership, empowering them through capacity-building initiatives, and fostering gender-equitable social norms. The success of Fatuma Katulituli is a testament to the transformative impact of these efforts, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.