The year that was for Rising Woman 2023

Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL) embarked on an inspiring and transformative two-month journey with the third season of its The Citizen Rising Woman Initiative (RWI) 2023.

This powerful initiative aimed to highlight the remarkable successes, unwavering determination and challenges faced by women ascending the corporate ladder. 

By amplifying the voices of these trailblazing women, RWI sought to inspire a new generation of leaders, encouraging them to break barriers and rise above obstacles.

2023 edition of the initiative, aptly titled #SheCan, resonated deeply with MCL’s mission of “empowering the nation” through impactful storytelling, empowering not only women but society as a whole.

What began as a simple boardroom concept evolved into one of the most celebrated initiatives at MCL, championing the stories of extraordinary Tanzanian women who are leading in the corporate world, as well as the men who actively support the cause of gender equality.

The then MCL’s Managing Director, Bakari Machumu, reflected with pride on the significant journey that the Rising Woman Initiative had undertaken.

“Our commitment to empowering the nation has always been rooted in the belief that every voice, especially those of women, deserves to be heard. RWI is a vital part of this mission, and we are excited to continue championing women’s achievements,” he said.

The impact of RWI goes beyond just highlighting individual accomplishments; it actively challenges societal gender norms and advocates for true equality.

The results have been remarkable: over the last few years, MCL has made significant strides in improving gender representation in the workplace.

The percentage of women in the MCL workforce has grown from 25 percent to 42 percent, a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment.

This progress was recognized in 2023 when MCL was honoured with the prestigious Best Employer of the Year award, underscoring its dedication to promoting gender equality.

In the year 2023, the Rising Woman Initiative aimed to profile 60 influential women from various sectors, showcasing their achievements, struggles, and the unique journeys that have shaped them into leaders.

These inspiring women served as beacons of hope, inspiring both women and girls to aim higher, dream bigger, and embrace their full potential.

By highlighting these stories, MCL did not only foster a sense of pride among the women profiled but also ignited a nationwide conversation about the importance of gender equality in leadership.

The RWI Coordinator, who is also a Writer at The Citizen, Salome Gregory, is at the heart of the initiative’s success. In 2023, she shared her valuable insights on how RWI has been an instrumental part of her professional growth.

“Through teamwork, mentorship, and stepping out of one’s comfort zone, I’ve seen firsthand how this initiative is bridging the gender divide. It has not only shaped my career but also allowed me to inspire others along the way,” Salome explained.

She said she believe that celebrating women’s leadership is essential in creating a more inclusive future, and she advocates for more female leaders to continue promoting gender equality in every sphere of life. According to Salome, the leadership journey is one of continuous growth, driven by the challenges one faces and the lessons learned along the way. The impact of RWI is further amplified by the initiative’s collaboration with key partners.

In 2023, the then-member of MCL’s Board of Directors, Mr John Ulanga, played a pivotal role in mobilising women to seek greater visibility through the newly launched Rising Woman Online platform.

This innovative platform provides a dynamic space for women to share their stories, connect, and access valuable resources to advance their careers and leadership journeys.

In line with its mission to continue evolving and empowering women, MCL entered into a strategic partnership with NMB Bank, a collaboration that has been described as a game-changer for women’s leadership and empowerment.

The launch of Rising Woman Online is poised to create new opportunities for women to gain exposure, build networks, and elevate their voices in the corporate world.

The platform will serve as a digital hub for women to share their stories, offer mentorship, and create a space for authentic conversations on the challenges and triumphs of being a woman in leadership.

Through these initiatives, MCL is not just promoting women’s leadership in Tanzania but is helping to reshape the corporate landscape to ensure that women are recognized, supported, and given the opportunities they deserve.

As MCL continues to empower women in all sectors of society, the Rising Woman Initiative will remain a cornerstone of its strategy to inspire future leaders and drive meaningful change toward gender equality.