Rising Woman 2022: Celebrating leadership, mentorship and success
What you need to know:
- Through Rising Woman, an initiative by The Citizen newspaper, MCL recognizes women who have broken barriers, overcome challenges, and proved that leadership knows no gender.
Every February, as the world celebrates love and togetherness, Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL) dedicates this time to honoring women who lead, inspire, and pave the way for others.
Through Rising Woman, an initiative by The Citizen newspaper, MCL recognizes women who have broken barriers, overcome challenges, and proved that leadership knows no gender.
Launched on February 1, 2021, the platform was created to identify and profile women in managerial positions across different industries in Tanzania, with the goal of promoting women’s empowerment.
Since its inception, the initiative has gained momentum, growing into one of the most influential platforms for highlighting the achievements of women in leadership, business, and professional spaces.
Also read: A look back at Rising Woman season 2
As the fifth edition of Rising Woman prepares to launch, it is worth looking back at the second edition of 2022, which made a lasting impact by exceeding expectations.
Initially, the target was to reach 60 women, but under the leadership of then-MCL Managing Director Bakari Machumu, the initiative successfully profiled 72 outstanding women.
The second edition stood out because it was driven by powerful objectives.
It emphasized the importance of mentorship among women in leadership, creating opportunities for women to share their experiences and uplift one another.
It also aimed to help women overcome common challenges that hinder their success.
In addition, the initiative recognized companies that actively promoted gender equality in the workplace, setting an example for others to follow.
One of the key highlights of that edition was the recognition of Lilian Timbuka, the Editor of Mwananchi, whose journey in journalism became an inspiration for many young women.
She believes that for women to succeed in the media industry, they must be consistent, work with integrity, stay committed, and always seek knowledge.
Her story became a reflection of what is possible when women embrace hard work and self-belief.
The edition also featured the inspiring journey of Prudence Zoe Glorious, a woman who has made significant strides in leadership.
She emphasized that women need space and opportunities to showcase their abilities and take on leadership roles.
According to her, providing mentorship programs and platforms for women to share ideas and lead projects is essential in building strong female leaders.
Perhaps one of the most emotional and thought-provoking stories was that of Beatrice Johnson, a former housemaid who defied the odds to become the Director of Light for Domestic Workers, an NGO dedicated to advocating for the rights of domestic workers.
She spoke about the struggles she faced as a young girl, especially after her mother remarried, which led her into a life of hardship.
Ms Johnson now uses her platform to fight against harmful traditions that prevent young girls from realizing their dreams.
The impact of the second edition of Rising Woman was so profound that it led to the creation of a dedicated website, where women from different professions could connect, learn from one another, and mentor others.
This expansion has allowed more women to engage with the platform, ensuring that the mission of empowerment continues to grow.
As the fifth edition of Rising Woman approaches, its legacy remains stronger than ever.
It has become more than just a platform—it is a movement that inspires women to lead, succeed, and lift each other up.
Each year, it proves that when one woman rises, she opens doors for many more to follow.
Celebrating women’s success
Initially, the goal was to reach 60 women, but under the leadership of then-MCL Managing Director Bakari Machumu, the initiative successfully profiled 72 outstanding women.
From the public to the private sector, we shared inspiring stories of true trailblazers who are making a significant impact on society and paving the way for the next generation through their boldness and resilience.
This edition solidified Rising Woman as a platform dedicated to celebrating women’s success stories while shedding light on the challenges they overcome in their journey.
