International Women's Day 2022

Today, the Sasamani Foundation stands together with the world in celebrating the achievements of women, in raising awareness against bias, and in taking action for equality.

We envision a future in which all possibilities for women and girls are equitable and attainable. It is our mission to improve gender equity in East Africa. Our initiatives increase access to education and employment opportunities for women and girls, empowering them to shape their own futures and cultivate positive change in their communities.

Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias. Sasamani beneficiaries, staff, and board members exemplify this 2022 International Women's Day theme. Every day, Sasamani sponsored students are determined to stay focused on their studies. Every day, Women Leading Change graduates use their unique voices to solve complex and systemic issues. Every day, entrepreneurs in Sasamani's employment program strive to support their families. Every day, Sasamani staff and board members lead initiatives to improve gender equity in East Africa. Together we effect positive change within family structures, within organizations, and within communities. Together we are committed to #BreakTheBias.

Today, we share #BreakTheBias stories of Sasamani beneficiaries and staff members and celebrate their achievements.

"I was able to stay focused in my studies and now I am at a higher education level, thanks to the teachers and the Sasamani sponsorship. I am a role model to my siblings and to my clan people. Despite attending an initiation ceremony in 2019, I was able to keep my goal intact and #BreakTheBias. I believe, despite the cultural challenges associated with Ngoma culture, the family and other supportive systems have an opportunity to shape a girls' life."

- Mwanaheri, Sasamani Sponsored College Student

"As a young woman, becoming the Women Leading Change coordinator in 2017 seemed like the toughest path to take. Thanks to the support of the amazing Women Leading Change team I now have the courage to overcome my insecurities and own my responsibilities. I feel I am in the best place to step forward in facilitating my fellow East African women to develop their leadership potential and to #BreakTheBias in East Africa."

- Neema, Sasamani Women Leading Change Coordinator

"I am the first born child in my family, and a college student on a good track, with good academic performance and socialization. I performed well in the middle school national exams and now I am taking a diploma. I am so proud of myself. Despite my hearing challenges and discouragements, I found my own way of listening to teachers and studying. I #BreakTheBias by never letting my hearing problem affect my educational goals and my dreams."

- Tatu, Sasamani Sponsored College Student

"My career supports me to face reality with courage and confidence. As a mother, an entrepreneur, and a coach who has to provide for family and relatives around me, I encourage myself to push harder and #BreakTheBias when I feel like giving up or when I am offended by masculine acts and beliefs."

- Jasmine, Women Leading Change Graduate and Coach

"I took a step forward in facilitating my fellow East African women to develop their leadership skills through the Women Leading Change Program. I am responsible for the Learning and Development department of Tanzania's largest Financial Services Provider and the voice of encouragement for women in my company. Through the Women Group Mentoring Program that I lead, I provide confidence building and other capacity building program and #BreakTheBias."

- Edith, Women Leading Change Graduate

"I am in my final year of college and I am so proud of myself. I didn't perform well in my middle school exams and my family was not happy about it. They planned several things for me, but the teachers and the Sasamani sponsorship helped me realize my dreams without challenges. I was able to #BreakTheBias by holding on to the small opportunity I had and now my younger sibling is following in my footsteps. I am happy I am about to graduate. I now know in life we need to have plans A, B, C, D... in order to achieve your goal and not to keep on changing the goals."

- Rebecca, Sasamani Sponsored College Student