MiMa Zanzibar: A Sports-Driven Path to Gender Equality and Leadership
In the vibrant archipelago of Zanzibar, a movement is reshaping how communities view sport, leadership, and health. MiMa Zanzibar (Michezo kwa Maendeleo) stands at the forefront of Sports for Development, leveraging athletic activity to advocate for women’s and youths’ rights. Grounded in the belief that Every Girl Deserves To Play, To Learn and To Lead, MiMa integrates sports with gender equality, leadership development, and menstrual health education to catalyze social change.
Founding Vision: From SDHO to a Dynamic Movement
MiMa’s genesis is rooted in the late founder Fatma Said Ahmed’s conviction that sport can be a powerful equalizer. An alumnus of the Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP) and the Michael Johnson Young Leaders Foundation, Fatma transformed a local initiative—Sustainable Development for Humanity Organisation (SDHO)—into a nationwide movement known as MiMa Zanzibar. The pivot toward Sports for Development and SRHR has positioned MiMa as a leading voice for women and youth in Zanzibar.
Play to Empower: More Than Just a Game
MiMa’s flagship program, Play to Empower, uses football and other sports to teach body autonomy, leadership, gender equality, and menstrual health. Thousands of girls have benefited, gaining confidence, knowledge, and a platform to speak out. The program demonstrates how sports can serve as a classroom, a safe space, and a springboard for future leaders.
Asan Menstrual Cup Project: Dignity in Period Management
The Asan Menstrual Cup Project has reached over 1,000 women across Unguja Island, including athletes, teachers, and women in uniformed service. By providing sustainable menstrual health solutions and education, MiMa is transforming daily life for women—reducing stigma, promoting hygiene, and enabling fuller participation in school, work, and sport.
Community Reach and Partnerships
MiMa’s impact extends beyond programs into policy and governance. The organization collaborates with key partners, including the Zanzibar National Sports Council (ZNSC), the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, and the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports, alongside global supporters. This network amplifies MiMa’s message and helps ensure that women’s inclusion in sports informs national dialogue and policy.
On the Ground: Camps, Academy, and Inclusive SRHR Education
To date, MiMa has run 12 Women’s Soccer Camps training more than 100 players in leadership and teamwork, while engaging 82 women with disabilities in inclusive SRHR education. Across communities, more than 5,000 youths and women have been reached through outreach, mentorship, and empowerment activities. In 2024, MiMa launched the MiMa Sports & Leadership Academy to nurture the next generation of Zanzibar’s sports leaders.
Shaping Policy and Cultural Change
The Girls’ Inclusion in Sports Agenda, developed in collaboration with government partners, is influencing national conversations on gender equity in sports. This isn’t just about participation; it’s about transforming expectations and creating role models that inspire broader societal shifts—from classrooms to boardrooms and stadiums.
A Global Vision with Local Roots
Looking ahead, MiMa aims to broaden its reach across Zanzibar and into neighboring islands. The organization seeks donors, development partners, and corporate allies who share a belief in play’s power to transform lives. With additional funding and mentorship, MiMa can expand the academy, bolster research, and advocate more effectively for women’s inclusion in sports.
A Tribute to Local Leadership
MiMa’s story is also a tribute to local leadership and intergenerational mentorship. The late Dr. Julia (Judy) Kahrl’s commitment to reproductive health helped sustain MiMa’s mission, and current leadership honors her legacy by continuing to invest in community-driven change. The message is clear: when women lead and youth are empowered, communities thrive.
Conclusion: A Call to Collaborate for a Brighter Zanzibar
MiMa Zanzibar demonstrates how sport can move beyond competition to become a catalyst for gender equality, health, and leadership. As Fatma and her team continue to expand programs like Play to Empower and the MiMa Sports & Leadership Academy, they invite governments, foundations, corporations, and individuals to join a movement where every girl has the chance to play, learn, and lead—on and off the field.
