How Fatma and MIMA uplift Zanzibar’s girls through sport

Dar es Salaam. In the heart of Zanzibar, where the spice-scented breeze carries both the stories of tradition and whispers of change, one woman is rewriting the rules one girl, one game, one voice at a time.

Fatma Ahmed, the visionary founder and Executive Director of Michezo kwa Maendeleo (MIMA), is leading a silent but powerful revolution that is transforming the lives of young girls and women through the unifying force of sport.

Since 2016, Fatma has been relentlessly pushing boundaries and challenging deep-rooted gender norms that often limit girls’ and women’s access to sports. In a region where societal expectations have long discouraged girls from stepping onto the field or into leadership roles, Fatma stands tall as a beacon of hope and change. Through her visionary work and dedication, she is not just advocating for girls’ rights to play she is creating safe spaces where they can thrive, grow, and lead.

From passion to purpose

Fatma’s journey into the world of sports for development began at the age of 18, when she discovered the power of play not just as a pastime but as a platform for empowerment.

Her passion quickly evolved into a purpose-driven mission to dismantle the barriers that hold girls back.

After graduating with a degree in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, and Microbiology from St. Philomena’s College in India, Fatma’s vision in mind was to make girls' participation in sports socially acceptable—and even celebrated—for girls across Zanzibar. Her past role as a Youth Advisory Panel member at UNFPA provided her with critical insight into the intersection of education, health, and empowerment. Leveraging this experience, Fatma has tirelessly educated girls on the vital connection between sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR), mental well-being, and academic performance. For her, it’s not just about building physical strength but nurturing the whole person.

The birth of MIMA

In 2021, this vision took form through the creation of Michezo kwa Maendeleo (MIMA), a registered non-governmental organization dedicated to empowering young girls and women through sports participation, leadership development, and community engagement. As the Founder and Executive Director of MIMA, Fatma has channeled her lifelong mission into action by developing innovative programs that use sport as a tool to tackle societal challenges head-on.

“Every person in Zanzibar should have the freedom to access sport without barriers,” Fatma passionately asserts. And she is walking the talk. Under her leadership, MIMA officially launched the Girls’ Inclusion in Sports Campaign in 2018 on the International Day of Sports for Development and Peace. It began with a simple idea: ask girls from local schools to share their views on participating in sports. The overwhelming response from over 480 girls highlighted both their passion and the cultural challenges they face from parental disapproval to societal stigma.

The campaign has since grown into a powerful movement that amplifies young girls’ voices and shines a spotlight on their stories. Social media became a vital tool in this effort, spreading awareness and rallying community support for gender equality in sports.

Breaking barriers through programs

MIMA’s approach is holistic, combining sports with education, health, and leadership. Through a variety of initiatives, Fatma and her team are creating tangible, lasting change.nOne flagship initiative is Purposeful Play Training, conducted in partnership with Zanzibar’s Ministry of Education. These workshops equip physical education teachers with the tools and knowledge needed to create inclusive environments and champion girls’ participation in schools. The training goes beyond drills and games, diving deep into issues like gender equity, reproductive health, menstrual hygiene, and leadership development.Another groundbreaking program is the Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Workshops tailored for female football teams. Over 120 young women have participated, learning about menstrual health, HIV prevention, and mental well-being in a safe, interactive setting.  These workshops empower participants with vital knowledge while promoting open dialogue and confidence on and off the field. Fatma's commitment to empowering women doesn't stop with teenagers. In 2020, MIMA launched the Women’s Wellness Program, aimed at women aged 25 and above. What began with ten participants quickly grew into a movement focused on physical fitness, mental health, and community building. Through aerobics, yoga, and nutrition education, the program is redefining what healthy living looks like for Zanzibari women.

Nurturing Leaders: She Leads 4 Change

At the heart of MIMA’s vision is the belief that girls and young women are not just participants. They are future leaders.  The She Leads 4 Change program was created to cultivate these leaders by combining sports with training in advocacy, community organizing, and storytelling.

 It’s more than a leadership workshop it’s a Launchpad for self-discovery, confidence, and impact.  This initiative empowers girls to take charge of their narratives and implement their own activities. By instilling skills like public speaking, project planning, and fundraising, She Leads 4 Change prepares a new generation of change makers who are ready to challenge gender norms and inspire their peers.

Recognized globally, rooted locally. Fatma’s work has not gone unnoticed on the global stage. In 2016, she was selected for the inaugural class of Michael Johnson Young Leaders (MJYL) a global program that identifies young people from underprivileged backgrounds and equips them with the skills needed to build a better future through sports and leadership.

She is also an alumna of the Global Sports Mentoring Program, further strengthening her ability to bring international best practices to local challenges in Zanzibar.

Despite her growing recognition, Fatma remains deeply rooted in the communities she serves. Her dream of establishing a sports and leadership academy is steadily becoming a reality an inclusive space where girls can play, learn, lead, and rise.

Impact in numbers

Since its inception, MIMA has made a profound impact across Zanzibar, reaching over 53,000 children and youth in six districts through its inclusive and empowering programs. The organization has worked with 185 schools, integrating sports and leadership development into educational settings to foster confidence and equality among students.

A total of 50 community impact coaches 45 women and five (5) men have been trained to serve as advocates and mentors for girls in sports, helping to shift community perceptions and support female participation.

MIMA has successfully launched six targeted programs that holistically address health, education, and empowermen while also organizing 11 vibrant community festivals that celebrate diversity, unity, and girls’ inclusion in sports. Furthermore, the organization’s dynamic social media outreach has garnered over 51,000 engagements, amplifying young voices and building a growing network of support for gender equality through sport.

These figures only scratch the surface of MIMA’s impact. Behind each number is a girl who found her voice, a teacher who became an ally, and a community that began to see change.

The road ahead

For Fatma, the journey is far from over. She remains fueled by a powerful vision: to continue building environments where girls are not only allowed to dream—but are equipped to realize those dreams.

Whether it’s through a football match, a leadership workshop, or a candid discussion on mental health, Fatma knows that the true power of sports lies in its ability to transform lives. “Sports gave me my purpose,” Fatma reflects.  “Now, I want to give that same purpose to every girl in Zanzibar.” In a world often defined by what girls can not do, Fatma Ahmed and MIMA are writing a different story, one where girls can run, lead, and rise.

Her legacy is not just one of leadership, but of liberation. "When girls win, we all win." Thanks to Fatma and the MIMA organization, the girls of Zanzibar are no longer watching from the sidelines. They’re in the game, and they’re playing to win.