MiMa Zanzibar: A Movement Where Play Fuels Progress
MiMa Zanzibar, short for Michezo kwa Maendeleo, is redefining how communities perceive sport in Zanzibar. Far from a mere pastime, MiMa leverages athletics as a strategic instrument for advancing women’s rights, youth leadership, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Rooted in the belief that “Every Girl Deserves To Play, To Learn and To Lead,” the initiative combines competitive sports with life-skills education to open pathways for girls and young people across the archipelago.
A Founder’s Vision: From Biochemistry to Community Leadership
At the helm is Fatma Said Ahmed, a visionary leader who transformed a small community effort into a nationwide movement. An alumna of the Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP) and the Michael Johnson Young Leaders Foundation, Fatma brings global mentorship to local realities. “Through programs like Play to Empower, the Asan Menstrual Cup Project, and the MiMa Sports & Leadership Academy, we have reached thousands of women and young people, helping them build confidence, access knowledge and become change makers in their communities,” she says.
Programs that Turn Games into Growth
MiMa’s flagship Play to Empower program integrates football coaching with body autonomy, leadership training, and gender equality education. The Asan Menstrual Cup Project has already touched over 1,000 women in Unguja Island—athletes, teachers, and public-service workers—transforming menstrual health into a matter of dignity and sustainability. By weaving SRHR education into sports coaching and mentorship, MiMa positions athletics as a classroom, a safe space, and a platform for voice and visibility.
Impact on the Ground
On the field, MiMa has organized 12 Women’s Soccer Camps, training more than 100 players in teamwork and leadership. Inclusivity is a cornerstone, with 82 women with disabilities reached through SRHR education. Overall, more than 5,000 youths and women have benefited from community outreach and mentorship, while the MiMa Sports & Leadership Academy launched in 2024 to nurture the next generation of Zanzibar’s sports leaders. A Girls’ Inclusion in Sports Agenda, co-developed with government partners, is shaping national dialogue and policies toward gender equity in sports.
A Local-to-Global Strategy
MiMa collaborates with the Zanzibar National Sports Council (ZNSC), the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, and the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports, as well as international partners. The organization’s approach blends mentorship with practical training, ensuring that participants not only excel in sport but also grow as confident leaders who can advocate for SRHR and women’s rights in their communities.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Reach and Securing Support
As MiMa plans to scale its impact, Fatma emphasizes the need for donors, development partners, and corporate allies who share the belief that play can transform lives. Support is sought to provide menstrual health kits, expand coaching and mentorship, sustain the MiMa Sports & Leadership Academy, and bolster research and advocacy for women’s inclusion in sports. The ultimate goal is to bring MiMa’s transformative programs to every corner of Zanzibar and beyond, turning local victories into regional and global change.
Honoring a Legacy, Inspiring a Future
In recognizing pioneers who paved the way, MiMa pays tribute to Dr. Julia (Judy) Kahrl, whose faith in local leadership helped propel the organization forward. The gratitude for mentors, partners, and supporters remains central as MiMa continues to transform lives—one match, one camp, and one leadership session at a time.
