Twenty young women changing lives across Tanzania in healthcare, education, technology, entrepreneurship, environmental action, and mental health advocacy were recognised at the second annual Her Impact Gala, hosted by Amplify Health and Development in Africa (AHDA). Selected from over 267 nominations, these are women who are reaching thousands of children with life-saving health knowledge, using AI to improve nutrition, championing the rights of marginalised communities, building businesses from the ground up, leading environmental campaigns reaching tens of thousands, and creating safe spaces for young people to talk about mental health.

The gala, held during International Women’s Day week in Dar es Salaam, honoured each nominee with a certificate of recognition for their contributions to their communities and sectors.

In his keynote address, Dr. Joseph Komwihangiro spoke powerfully about the foundations of women’s empowerment, urging the room to remember that meaningful change begins with the individual. He called on women to be each other’s shoulders to lean on, to lift one another through mentorship, encouragement, and honest support. He also challenged like-minded men to show up as allies, stressing that gender equality is not a women’s cause alone but a shared responsibility that demands collective action.

The evening featured a guided roundtable conversation on leveraging women’s leadership to accelerate progress for gender equality and community development. Participants exchanged ideas, shared experiences, and together charted a path forward, committing to carry the momentum of Her Impact beyond a single evening and into sustained action in their communities, workplaces, and networks.

Happiness Mushi, a young entrepreneur, shared business wisdom: “Capital doesn’t always matter when you have skills and knowledge. Take time to learn.” And Cesaria Majiya, founder of ReeCollectionz, offered a fierce declaration: “Giving up is not an option at all.”

Baby Musamba, one of Tanzania’s first openly intersex public health advocates, encouraged the room to own their stories: “Take your different story in a positive way and make something of it.”

The evening also recognised outstanding contributions through three special awards. Pirosca Mvanda was honoured as the Outstanding Young Female Leader. Dr. Joseph Komwihangiro was recognised as the Senior Leader Championing Women’s Empowerment. And the Women in Recycling Foundation (WORF) received the Female-Led Organisation Award.

Now in its second year, Her Impact Gala continues to establish itself as a credible platform for visibility, intergenerational exchange, and practical inspiration. The initiative is implemented under AHDA’s Women Empowerment Programme, with plans to expand its reach to regional towns and rural communities over the coming years.

HER IMPACT GALA 2026 HONOUREES:

• 1. Agnes Liundi — Executive Director of Pulse Network, mobilizing youth and communities for climate action and sustainable development.
• 2. Aika Wilfred — Occupational therapist opening opportunities for children with disabilities and empowering women caregivers.
• 3. Baby Musamba — Public health advocate and intersex rights activist championing dignity, mental well-being, One Health, and awareness on neglected tropical diseases through Tanzania Voice of Humanity.
• 4. Bhoke Juma — Committed to empowering youth and fostering community development.
• 5. Cesaria Majiya — Entrepreneur and digital creative; founder of ReeCollectionz and co-founder of ReeventZ, empowering youth through fashion and innovation.
• 6. Christina Mwakisole — Medical doctor student and reproductive health advocate leading the WhatGirlsWant program for equitable health access.
• 7. Dorcas Kasaba — Founder of Karibu Nyikani Adventures, promoting Tanzanian tourism and financial literacy for young people.
• 8. Esther Semba — Mental health advocate equipping 5,000+ youths with peer-support tools through workshops and campaigns.
• 9. Florence Nassari — Medical doctor empowering young women and strengthening healthcare capacity through mentorship and health education.
• 10. Glory Livingstone — Founder of Mental Health Africa, Akili Supa, and Sip & Talk, creating safe spaces for youth mental health dialogue.
• 11. Happiness Mushi — Health Systems Management graduate turned entrepreneur, building a growing home appliances business focused on quality products and customer service.
• 12. Janeth Kareen — Advancing Africa’s digital future through PlateAI, using AI to improve nutrition and care for people living with NCDs, while championing ethical data governance and girls’ digital skills.
• 13. Lavina Ibrahim — Tech entrepreneur behind Afrinova Group and Michikichi System, modernizing agriculture and empowering rural women through AI.
• 14. Luciana Massawe — Founder of JNC and UniGirlsPower, championing youth and women through leadership, sports, and environmental action, reaching 1,000+ university girls.
• 15. Maria Mchome — Founder of the Child Morbidity and Mortality Initiative (CMMI), reaching 3,000+ children with life-saving health knowledge.
• 16. Mariam Surve — Dedicated to creating meaningful impact through community engagement and leadership.
• 17. Neema Limbe — Entrepreneur and creator of Nechal Liquid Soap, turning a personal challenge into a growing consumer brand.
• 18. Pirosca Mvanda — Founder of This Generation Organization, advancing youth leadership, democracy, and career mentorship via TikTok.
• 19. Rozalia Mbawala — Medical student and Rotaract leader championing health education among vulnerable groups including children, adolescents, and women.
• 20. Swaumu Mpunjo — Medical leader and digital health innovator who pioneered AFYA Fiesta (4,400+ reached) and the Youth NCD Council

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