Floresta Tanzania has organized a series of dialogues that brought together 90 women from six districts in the Kilimanjaro Region; Moshi, Rombo, Hai, Siha, Mwanga and Same to strengthen women’s leadership in community development and environmental conservation.
The dialogues provided a platform for women to share experiences, build confidence and raise a collective voice in addressing community challenges, particularly those related to women taking space in leadership positions, environmental protection and climate change. They also reinforced lessons women have already gained through their participation in Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA).
The sessions were facilitated by Grace Mhina, Country Manager of Apex Agriculture Academy, who brought her experience as a woman leader to inspire and guide the participants. Her guidance encouraged the women to reflect on their potential and the critical role they can play in leading positive change at the community level.
Three dialogues were conducted, each with 30 participants. The first took place on September 18 and brought together women from Moshi and Rombo districts. The second, held on September 24, gathered women from Same and Mwanga, while the third on September 25 involved women from Hai and Siha. In every session, participants engaged in discussions on leadership, natural resource management and climate change awareness, emphasizing the importance of women’s active participation in shaping the future of their communities.
Participants shared how much they valued the dialogues. They said the sessions boosted their confidence, helping them to assert themselves and become strong leaders. They also expressed hope that through the training they can raise empowered daughters who will become the women leaders of tomorrow, stressing that providing quality education for their daughters is the first step toward achieving this vision.
Floresta Tanzania believes that creating spaces where women can learn, exchange ideas and practice leadership is vital for building stronger, more resilient and inclusive communities.