Promoting women's economic empowerment for Tanzania's growth

Tanzania's economy experienced a slowdown in 2022, but a rebound in 2023 has signaled positive growth. Inflation has remained stable within the Bank of Tanzania's target range. Among the various economic reform programs in place, a key focus is on empowering women through the digital economy. Lydia Charles Moyo, the Founder and Executive Director of Her Initiative, shed light on the organization's efforts to promote women's economic empowerment in Tanzania. Her Initiative has positioned women's empowerment as a tool for enhancing financial freedom and social justice for young women and girls in the country. They have also leveraged digitization and technology to promote skill development and social justice. Over the past four years, the organization has supported 15,000 young women and girls in Tanzania, providing them with skills training and access to resources. Additionally, their innovative initiative, Panda Digital, a Swahili hybrid e-learning platform, has benefitted over 5,000 young women, facilitating skill development and social justice access. Furthermore, the organization has worked with marginalized groups, including out-of-school young women and those living with HIV. Looking ahead, Her Initiative aims to expand its technology model to Swahili-speaking countries in East Africa, potentially reaching over 10,000 young women. They also envision direct support for over 100,000 young women and expanding their reach to cover all regions in Tanzania. The organization's focus on Africa's economic growth involves nurturing a skilled workforce of young women and girls aged 15 to 35. By empowering these women, they aim to tap into both offline and digital economy opportunities. This approach aligns with addressing broader societal issues like gender-based violence, child marriage, and access to education, with poverty being a significant barrier. By creating a region with skilled young women who have access to resources, the organization believes they can contribute to a more inclusive and robust economy. Sustainability is a key consideration for Her Initiative. As a young organization, funding has been a challenge. With less than $100,000 over four years, the organization has already made a substantial impact. To expand their impact, they are seeking to attract more funding. Their sustainability strategy involves diversifying funding sources, not only relying on donations from Western countries but also promoting local fundraising to engage the community in driving meaningful change.