Overview: MiMa Zanzibar’s Mission
MiMa Zanzibar, short for Michezo kwa Maendeleo (Sports for Development), is carving a strategic path for women and youth in Zanzibar through the power of sport. Rooted in the belief that “Every Girl Deserves To Play, To Learn and To Lead,” the organization integrates sports with gender equality, leadership development, and menstrual health education. What began as a simple community idea has evolved into a dynamic movement that spans Unguja and beyond, touching thousands of lives.
From SDHO to a Rising Movement
The founder, Fatma Said Ahmed, transformed Sustainable Development for Humanity Organisation (SDHO) into MiMa Zanzibar, a testament to the enduring impact of local leadership. An alumnus of the Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP) and the Michael Johnson Young Leaders Foundation, Fatma leverages global insights while anchoring programs in Zanzibar’s realities. “We believe that when women lead and youth are empowered, the entire community benefits,” she notes, highlighting a philosophy that underpins every MiMa initiative.
flagship Programs: Play to Empower and Beyond
MiMa’s flagship Play to Empower program goes beyond football. It teaches body autonomy, leadership, gender equality, and menstrual health, transforming sports fields into classrooms where girls gain confidence and agency. The organization’s Asan Menstrual Cup Project has already reached over 1,000 women on Unguja Island, including athletes, teachers, and service members. These programs demonstrate how practical health tools and education can coexist with athletic training to empower women in meaningful ways.
Where the Impact Is Felt
MiMa’s reach extends to 12 Women’s Soccer Camps that trained more than 100 players in leadership and teamwork, and inclusive SRHR education for 82 women with disabilities. Overall, more than 5,000 youths and women have been engaged through community outreach, mentorship, and leadership development. In 2024, MiMa launched the MiMa Sports & Leadership Academy to nurture the region’s next generation of sports leaders, ensuring a steady pipeline of female and youth leadership on and off the field.
Collaboration, Policy, and Cultural Change
MiMa works closely with the Zanzibar National Sports Council (ZNSC), the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, and the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports, among other partners. A notable achievement is the Girls’ Inclusion in Sports Agenda, co-developed with government partners, which is influencing national dialogue and policy on gender equity in sports. This collaboration signals a broader shift: sport is increasingly recognized as a platform for rights, health, and leadership, not merely recreation.
Looking Ahead: A Global Mission with Local Heart
As MiMa steps onto the global stage, its strategy focuses on expanding reach, consolidating the leadership academy, and delivering programs to every corner of Zanzibar and beyond. To sustain and scale these efforts, Fatma invites donors, development partners, corporations, and individuals to join a ship committed to learning, leadership, and lasting change. The aim is to provide menstrual health kits, coach and youth leader training, robust research, and strong advocacy for women’s inclusion in sports.
Acknowledging the Legacy of Compassion
The organization honors its mentorship roots and moral compass. This article is dedicated to Dr. Julia (Judy) Kahrl, a champion of reproductive health who believed in local leadership and helped MiMa grow. Her legacy—alongside continued support from partners—fuels MiMa’s mission to empower women and young people in Zanzibar, inspiring a culture where girls can play, learn, and lead.
