Local media fraternity mourns journalist Leila Sheikh

Dar es Salaam. It is like a candle that has suddenly gone off. That is what Tanzania media experts described the death of a veteran journalist, Leila Sheikh, who died yesterday after a short illness.

Sheikh, who was a founder member of the Tanzania Media Women's Association (Tamwa), will be remembered for her bravery in advocating rights of other members in the fraternity.

They also described her among journalists who participated in the formulation of the Sexual Offence Special Provision Act (Sospa) in Tanzania.

Speaking to The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi, a veteran journalist, Ms Rose Mwalimu said her death was a huge blow to the industry due to her dedication in supporting others to attain required standards.

She said Sheikh, who served as Tamwa executive director between 1996 and 2001, has passed away like a candle that has suddenly gone off at a time people needed its light.

According to Ms Mwalimu, the deceased had enough experience in journalistic matters especially the rights of the women and children, saying she was ready to share her experience without hesitation.

“She will be remembered as one of hardworking journalists. She was the editor of Tamwa’s magazine, Sauti ya Sitti,” she said.

“She taught others how to work with efficiency. The late Leila was quick, brave and ready to fight for the rights of others,” she added.

Furthermore, she said although death cannot be avoided, her death has come too early, describing her as a stimulant who despite her age remained competent in technology issues.

According to her during her lifetime, she established different online groups that used to serve different purposes.

Tamwa executive director Rose Reuben said apart from her journalist roles, she advocated women issues through her journalistic job.

“She will be remembered for her contribution in the media fraternity and gender issues. She has been at the forefront in advocating broad interests of the nation, especially those related to gender as well as the rights of women and children,” she said.

“She will also be remembered for her innovative ideas that led to establishing an online restaurant known as Leilas Café that used to analyse gender issues. She also established a Facebook group dubbed -Social Welfare used for debating issues related to gender,” she added.

Ms Pili Mtambalike said the fraternity has lost a person with huge skills who enabled Tamwa to prepare different strategic plans and a fundraiser during its establishment.

“She was fearless and daring. She could enter public and government office as well as interacting with different officials including lawmakers therefore simplifying things,” she said.

“We are thankful to God for his life. She was a friend, a sister and a hard worker who led us in different programmes enabling Tamwa to stand on its feet and advocate for the rights of women and children today,” she said.

The training editor at Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL), Mr Rashid Kejo, referred to the deceased as a female journalist who stood by what she believed.

"She will be remembered by her positions including standing by what she believed,” he said.

Sheikh was born on January 8, 1958. She will be buried today at Mabawa Cemetery in Usagara, Tanga Region.