Ester Shedafa: Transforming lives through effective communication

During a recent visit to Tanga Region, where I had the privilege of exploring the impactful work of Marie Stopes Tanzania, one individual stood out among the rest.

Ester Shedafa, the Communications and Advocacy Manager, captivated my attention with her unwavering dedication and remarkable multitasking abilities.

Ester's role as a communications manager is perfectly tailored to her strengths, as she meticulously documents every aspect of her work.

With 11 years of experience predominantly in the healthcare sector, Ester's commitment to her profession is evident in her passion for marketing and communication.

"My hard-working spirit is driven by a combination of passion and purpose. I am deeply passionate about my profession in marketing and communication. It offers a versatile platform through which I can achieve significant milestones in my career."

This flexibility allows her to adapt and innovate, constantly seeking new ways to make a positive impact. 

Ester’s career journey has been a dynamic and enriching experience shaped by diverse opportunities and continuous learning. 

Her career journey started with practical fieldwork as a journalist at a public print media house, where exposure fueled her passion for media and communication. 

After her field attachment, she got a job at the Gender and Media in Southern Africa-Tanzania Network (GEMSAT) as a public relations officer.

While there, Ester had the opportunity to participate in a global exchange programme in the United Kingdom.

While in the United Kingdom, she worked in various charity programmes, including events and fundraising, and trained in a course on youth health and employability.

“The experience accelerated my growth, equipping me with a range of skills, including graphic design, event management, and advanced computer proficiency,” she says.

Upon her return, Ester joined CCBRT hospital, where she worked for seven years, starting as a call centre officer and progressing through various roles such as social welfare officer, assistant project manager, and ultimately marketing manager.

"I immersed myself in diverse responsibilities and challenges. Each role presented new learning opportunities, enabling me to contribute significantly to the organisation's goals," Ester says.

As an assistant project manager, she spearheaded initiatives that led to a marked increase in fistula referrals, underscoring her dedication to making a tangible impact.

Building on the invaluable experiences gained at CCBRT, Ester transitioned to Marie Stopes, where she continues to embrace a culture of continuous learning and growth.

Ester says that working in an international setting has afforded her exposure to diverse perspectives and strategies, further enriching her professional journey.

"Today, I am proud to be in a position where I can leverage my skills and experiences to make a meaningful difference,” she says.

Her journey thus far has been characterised by resilience, adaptability, and a relentless commitment to personal and professional development.

“I look forward to continuing this journey, driven by a passion for creating positive change through my profession."

She is motivated by the profound realisation that her work directly contributes to improving people's lives, particularly in accessing vital health information.

Commenting on how she uses her expertise to improve the lives of women and girls, Ester says that in her previous role, she focused on supporting women in accessing free fistula treatment, recognising the profound impact this condition has on their lives.

In her current position, she continues to champion the cause of women's health by facilitating access to reproductive health services.

She does so through the development of communication materials, strategic radio campaigns, and advocacy for policy guidelines.

"I have been instrumental in creating an enabling environment for women and girls to access sexual reproductive health services across the country. Our radio spots have reached millions of women in both rural and urban areas, disseminating crucial information to reduce stigma and promote awareness of available services," she says.

These achievements show her unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of women and girls by leveraging communication and marketing strategies.

As a manager who believes in making women's development agenda a success, Ester says that male participation is key.

She makes sure male involvement in reproductive health education is a collective aspect by highlighting the mutual benefits of family planning for both men and women. 

The reproductive health programmes emphasise how family planning contributes to the overall health and well-being of the entire family, which resonates with men, as they recognise that a healthy and empowered partner leads to a stronger and more prosperous family unit.

When asked what stops women from excelling in top leadership positions and what can be done, she said external factors certainly play a role.

Factors like systemic biases and cultural norms, and sometimes women themselves due to a lack of self-belief and confidence, hold women back from fully realising their potential.

Ester thinks a focus on empowering women to cultivate their self-confidence and assertiveness is needed.

This can be achieved through mentorship programmes, leadership training, and the creation of supportive environments where women feel encouraged to take risks and pursue leadership roles.

She calls upon organisations to implement policies and practices to promote gender equality and create pathways for women to advance into leadership positions.

This might include diversity and inclusion initiatives, flexible work arrangements, and transparent promotion processes.

Her message to young girls who aspire to be like her is simple yet powerful.

"Know your aspirations and pursue them with unwavering determination. Take the time to discover what you are passionate about and what you envision for your future. Once you have identified your goals, dedicate yourself wholeheartedly to achieving them."

She adds: “Maintaining a steadfast focus on girls' aspirations, even in the face of challenges or setbacks, cultivating a love for your chosen path, and embracing every opportunity to learn and grow along the way are essential." 

Ester reminds girls that success often requires perseverance and resilience. She advises that girls should stay committed to their journey despite any obstacles that may arise.

Prioritising consistency and hard work when pursuing your dreams is important, as success is rarely instantaneous. It is the result of continuous effort and dedication over time, states Ester.

"Stay true to yourself, believe in your capabilities, and never underestimate the power of your potential. By embodying these principles and remaining steadfast in your pursuit of excellence, you can realise your dreams and inspire others to do the same.”

She says; “Your journey may not always be easy, but with determination, passion, and perseverance, you can achieve anything you set your mind to."