Zaida: Director, author shares her long leadership journey

How did you reach where you are today in leadership?

I am blessed to have humble, hardworking and loving parents who did not discriminate their children by gender when it come to ensuring children’s right to education and other livelihood needs. I was very lucky to pass my primary education and was selected to join form one at Ashira Girls Secondary School in Kilimanjaro. My paternal uncles discouraged my father to take me to secondary school, emphasizing that primary education was enough for a girl and the next step was for me to get a husband only. Instead they encouraged him to keep his money and use it to educate his sons, who by then were very young. My father never listened to them. Instead he made sure all of his nine children both boys and girls got the best education for our future. Being the first born, I was treated like a queen. When I was selected to join Form I, my father was proud of me and promised to support my education.

With all the encouragement and support, I managed to get through up to the undergraduate degree in Bachelor of Arts with Education university of Dar es Salaam (1985-1988). I got a scholarship to pursue a Bachelor of Education degree at Murdoch University Perth, Australia, 1992-1993 - and then a Master’s degree of Education at the same Varsity (1993-1994).

Did you always know where you wanted to be?

Yes. I had set myself goals. From my childhood I wanted to climb the highest ladder in education up to university level. I wanted to be an educated woman with an understanding that it will lead to my career development and decent employment. When I started working I always aspired to be in a position where I can contribute to change the life of many children especially girls through education in various fields. Being a teacher for almost ten years, and coordinating education research and programmes and HIV/Aids programmes for more than 20 years, have given me a space to achieve my dream.

At Uwezo Tanzania, do you have any policy in place that aims at creating gender balance - especially at managerial levels?

Yes. It is well stated in our human resources manual on staff recruitment: “Wherever possible, emphasis shall be placed on encouraging qualified women and people with disabilities to apply”. We also include that in adverts for job applications.

What has been the most vulnerable moment of your life... Or in your career?

When I was appointed to take the highest leadership positions in three organizations where I worked, some male colleagues were not comfortable to be under my leadership and were doing things to ensure I did not perform well in the position. I remember one of them quit his job because of that. Through resilience, commitment, passion, hard work, strategic focus and leadership style, I managed to be where I am today: the executive director of a reputable organisation.

What is your leadership style?

A combination of styles which I learned mostly through life’s experience and some training. I have strategic and transformative styles with a view to inspiring, nurturing creativity, motivating, encouraging and pushing people to move out of their comfort zone to deliver quality work.

I always ensure that we achieve the desired objectives/goals that focus on changing lives of targeted population or staff.

Democratic style is also important to allow freedom of speech, diversity of ideas. I always involve others to contribute in major decision making on issues that affect the organisation and staff.

Gender diversity among leaders is proven to have concrete business benefits. So why do so many companies still not prioritize developing and retaining great women leaders?

I am not sure. But may be they don’t trust their capacity and availability any time. May be inferiority complex to have a female leader.

What are the steps to empower girls and women to leadership roles?

This is very professional. I think it starts from the socialization stage at the family, community, in schools and finally at work place. Girls are always engaged to do many things in the family, community, church, Madrasa and in schools. Encouraging them from tender ages to take up leadership roles is key. Praise them when they perform to build their confidence that they are capable to lead. Assign them a leading role in family business. Elect them class monitors, school prefects, choir leaders. Expose women and girls to other women heroes in leadership as their role models. This will inspire them to first build the interest and confidence to take up the challenge to obtain leadership position. At work places, establish a policy that encourages them to aspire being leaders - and support them to excel. Encourage women to undertake leadership training to widen their knowledge and skills on leadership

What about formal training? For those who want to be leaders, do you advise that they get any formal training?

Some people are born to be leaders even without being trained for it. People learn about leadership from experience, socialization, coaching and mentorship. And women are well placed in that. Women play a great leadership role to attend all matters related to house chores, child caring and raring, etc.

However, attending formal training on leadership styles will be an added advantage to widen the understanding on leadership styles that fit in advance scenario such as at work place or in running a business.

What do you think is causing lack of diversity in top leadership positions? Why are women not rising to the top fast enough?

Those in power are not interested to create space for women to rise in leadership.

Power imbalance in decision making about who is to be a leader. Lack of support from men and society for women to take leadership roles. Inadequate education and capacity among women to compete and fit at the top leadership positions.

What can women do to change the situation?

Have clear goals to achieve for their future.

Be courageous to apply for leadership positions and have confidence in themselves that they can do it. Have determination and work hard to excel in education.

Be consistent in the line of work to maintain growth in the career and exposure.