AGRA

1. What does this year’s IWD mean to you based on the theme?

 This year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) theme “Accelerate Action” reignites my call as a woman country program manager to enhance emphasis on the urgency and importance of taking swift, decisive steps to achieve gender equality.

In my role I have several opportunities to do this and include: –

1. Leadership and Advocacy: As a leader, I am in a pivotal position to lead initiatives that promote gender equality. This involves advocating for policies and programs that address systemic barriers and biases against women.
2. Empowerment and Support: The theme encourages me to focus on empowering women and girls in my community. Under the AGRA Youth for the Future of Agriculture (YEFFA) program, I am keen to ensure 80% of those participating in the program are young women. My focus is to be intentional about creating opportunities for young women for skills enhancement, economic empowerment, and leadership development.
3. Collaboration and Solidarity: “Accelerate Action” calls for collective efforts. I am working with other organizations, stakeholders, and community leaders to amplify the impact of gender equality initiatives.
4. Innovation and Implementation: The theme highlights the need for innovative solutions and effective implementation of strategies and models that have been proven to work. Am therefore leverage data and best practices to design and execute impactful programs, especially for the women.
5. Raising Awareness: Part of accelerating action is raising awareness about gender equality issues. I am leveraging on strategic platforms to support raise the voice of young women, especially the vulnerable, those abled differently, internally displaced and refugees, to educate, challenge stereotypes, and celebrate women’s achievements.
6. Supporting Grassroots Efforts: This year’s theme also calls for supporting grassroots organizations that are making a difference. As a leader I will seek to identify more such organizations, forge collaboration and support these groups to ensure their efforts are sustained and scaled.
7. How is the country’s programmatic work inspiring you to make a difference in society?

AGRA Tanzania is implementing several programs supported by diverse partners, with the key ambition of creating work opportunities for youth, especially young women. The country programmatic work is incredibly inspiring for me, especially as a woman in a leadership role. I draw my inspiration from the following: –

1. Seeing Tangible Impact: Witnessing the positive changes that programs are bringing to communities especially to women is deeply motivating. Whether it’s improved access to education, healthcare, or economic opportunities, seeing the direct benefits of my work has fueled my passion to continue making a difference.
2. Empowering Others: Being in a position to empower other women and girls can be a powerful source of inspiration. Helping them overcome challenges and achieve their potential can create a ripple effect, inspiring more women to take on leadership roles and drive change.
3. Building Resilience: Working on country programs often involves overcoming significant obstacles. This has built in me resilience and a strong sense of purpose, inspiring me to tackle even bigger challenges and advocate for systemic changes.
4. Creating Inclusive Policies: The opportunity to influence and create policies that promote gender equality and social justice has been incredibly fulfilling. Knowing that my work contributes to a more inclusive and equitable society has been a strong motivator.
5. Learning and Growth: The dynamic nature of programmatic work offers continuous learning and growth opportunities. This has inspired me to innovate and implement new strategies that address emerging issues and needs in society.
6. Networking and Collaboration: Collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including other organizations, government agencies, and community leaders, has provided me a broader perspective and inspire new ideas and approaches to making a difference.
7. Role Modeling: As a woman in a leadership position, I serve as a role model for others. My success and dedication will inspire other women and girls to pursue their dreams and contribute to societal change.
8. How do you continue building a better food systems universe for more women out there?

As a woman program manager, I have a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change in food systems and empower more women. I will do so through the following strategies:

1. Promote Gender-Inclusive Policies: Advocate for policies that ensure equal access to resources, training, and opportunities for women in agriculture and food systems. This includes landownership, financial services, and technology.
2. Support Women’s Leadership: Encourage and support women to take on leadership roles within food systems. Provide mentorship and training programs to help them develop the skills needed to lead effectively.
3. Foster Collaboration: Work with other organizations, government agencies, and community leaders to create a network of support for women in food systems. Collaborative efforts can amplify the impact of your initiatives.
4. Implement Gender-Sensitive Programs: Design and implement programs that address the specific needs and challenges faced by women in food systems. This includes considering factors such as time constraints, access to markets, and cultural norms.
5. Raise Awareness: Use my platform to raise awareness about the contributions of women in food systems and the challenges they face. Highlight success stories and advocate for greater recognition and support for women.
6. Encourage Innovation: Support and promote innovative solutions that can improve food security and empower women. This could involve new farming techniques, sustainable practices, or technology that makes food production more efficient.
7. Measure Impact: Regularly assess the impact of the programs on women’s empowerment and food security. Use data to identify areas for improvement and to demonstrate the effectiveness of the initiatives.