Africa-Press – Tanzania. IT parades itself as MiMa Zanzibar (Michezo kwa Maendeleo) with the endeavour to play a strategic role in advocating for rights of women and youths in Zanzibar through the use of sports.
Today, its existence has greatly impacted the lives of many women and young people, courtesy of numerous initiatives it engages in under the umbrella of the Sports for Development Organisation.
Rooted in the strong belief that “Every Girl Deserves To Play, To Learn and To Lead,” MiMa widely integrates sports as a powerful tool to facilitate gender equality, leadership, and menstrual health education in Zanzibar.
All the success stories that MiMa is achieving in this beautiful tourist hub of Zanzibar cannot go without acknowledging Fatma Said Ahmed, who founded the organisation purposely to bring the best from the targeted group (women and youths).
As an alumnus of the Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP) as well as the Michael Johnson Young Leaders Foundation, Fatma knows exactly what she is doing at the helm of this transformative organisation.
“Through innovative programs like Play to Empower, the Asan Menstrual Cup Project and the MiMa Sports & Leadership Academy, we have reached thousands of women and young people, helping them build confidence, access knowledge and become change makers in their communities,” she said.
She continued: “MiMa’s approach, inspired by global mentorship and grounded in local realities, continues to transform the sports landscape in Zanzibar proving that when women lead and youth are empowered, the entire community benefits.”
Yes, it is inspiring to learn that Fatma, a former biochemist, is now at the steering wheel of MiMa, changing the previous narrative that sports were meant for males, as women are now embracing it with full passion.
Her journey to this far has not been that easy, as she started with a simple belief that Every Girl Deserves To Play, To Learn and To Lead…this objective actually gave birth to a small community initiative known as Sustainable Development for Humanity Organisation (SDHO).
“Slowly but surely, SDHO resulted into the formation of MiMa Zanzibar which is now being cherished as a dynamic movement championing Sports for Development and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
“We are still pushing it further, ensuring that no one is left behind in this engaging initiative because we believe that together, we can move mountains,” she remarked.
Through MiMa’s flagship program known as Play to Empower, thousands of girls have learned not just about football, but about body autonomy, leadership, gender equality, and menstrual health.
“MiMa’s Asan Menstrual Cup Project has reached over 1,000 women in Unguja Island, including athletes, teachers, and women in uniformed services. It is transforming how women manage their periods with dignity, sustainability, and confidence.
“By integrating SRHR education, sports coaching, and life-skills mentorship, MiMa has positioned sports as more than a game; it is a classroom, a safe space, and a platform for voice and visibility,” she said.
MiMa collaborates closely with the Zanzibar National Sports Council (ZNSC), the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, and the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports, as well as other global partners.
Off the field, MiMa is leaving no stone unturned as a total of 12 Women’s Soccer Camps trained over 100 players in leadership, teamwork, and menstrual health, while 82 women with disabilities were engaged in inclusive SRHR education.
Similarly, over 5,000 youths and women were reached through community outreach, mentorship, and empowerment, not forgetting MiMa Sports & Leadership Academy launched in 2024 specifically to nurture the next generation of sports leaders in Zanzibar.
“Also, the Girls’ Inclusion in Sports Agenda, co-developed with government partners, is influencing national dialogue and policies for gender equity in sports,” Fatma said.
MiMa’s work has not only empowered women, but it has also created role models, opened policy conversations, and inspired a cultural shift across Zanzibar and now into Pemba.
As MiMa steps into the global arena, its vision is clear to expand its reach, strengthen its academy, and bring its transformative programs to every corner of Zanzibar and beyond.
“To amicably achieve this, MiMa is seeking donors, development partners, and corporate allies who share its belief in the power of play to transform lives to come aboard and navigate this ship to safety together.
“Their partnership can help to provide menstrual health kits and education to thousands of women, equip coaches and youth leaders through training and mentorship, sustain the MiMa Sports & Leadership Academy, strengthen research, documentation, and advocacy for women’s inclusion in sports,” she said.
MiMa invites governments, foundations, corporations, and individuals to partner with them in shaping a world where women and girls can play, lead, and thrive—on and off the field.
Dedication: Honoring a Legacy of Compassion
“We dedicate this article to Dr. Julia (Judy) Kahrl — a Grandmother for Reproductive Health who placed her faith in us, showing remarkable trust in local leadership. Together with her son, Mr. Ben Kahrl, she gave MiMa the strength and opportunity to grow into the organization it is today.
“At MiMa, we carry her light with pride, honoring her love, compassion, and belief in the strength of local leadership as we continue transforming the lives of women and young people in Zanzibar.
“We also thank our supporters and partners for believing in our mission from the beginning, especially the late Dr Julia Kahrl,” Fatma said.
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