Today (8 March) is International Women’s Day. A day to celebrate the achievements of women all around the world and an opportunity to raise awareness about the need for greater gender equality.
This year’s theme is “Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change”. As a charity committed to building sustainably and providing girls with the education they deserve, Lyra lives by this theme 365 days a year. However, we wanted to use this opportunity to chat with women - from our students to our teachers, to different members of our community projects - to find out what the day means to them.
Fausta, 20, store owner and member of Lyra’s school leavers entrepreneurship training
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
“It is an important day, it allows women to highlight different issues and challenges they face in their communities. It is also an opportunity for women to discuss why we need to improve our rights and responsibilities in the community.”
What women currently inspire you?
“The woman who inspires me most is Zarina Hassan because she is a mother, entrepreneur and a very hard worker. She has self awareness and knows how to take care of her family".
In your day to day life, what changes would you like to see when it comes to women’s rights?
“I would like to see women engaging in managerial, leadership and decision making roles that for so long, society hasn’t allowed them to do.”
What message do you have for women all across the world?
“I advise women that if you work hard and know your rights you can develop within society.”
Shahida, 15, in a Lyra hostel.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
“For me, International Women’s Day is about celebrating women’s confidence and everything they do”.
What women currently inspire you and why?
“A woman that I think should be celebrated today is Prof. Joyce Ndalichako. She is the minister of education in our country. She is very confident and she believes in the importance of leading and improving our education sector.”
As a woman, what changes would you like to see in your day to day life?
“Not long ago, women were not considered worthy in many sectors in Tanzania, including education. Whilst we have made some progress, in the future, I would like to see women given the right to own a property.”
What message do you have for women all over the world?
“Keep moving and search for the opportunities around you because as women we have been inferior. We have been made to feel we cannot do anything.”
Beatrice Mitao, 32, is a teacher at Lundamatwe Secondary School.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
“It is a day for women to celebrate their achievements."
What women currently inspire you and why?
“I am inspired by Dr Tulia Ackson, the Deputy Speaker of the Tanzanian parliament because of her hard work and her involvement with the younger population.”
In your day to day life, what changes would you like to see when it comes to women’s rights?
“I would like to see equal participation between men and women in day to day activities. I would also like the Tanzanian government to provide loans to women so that they can work and gain economic empowerment.”
What message do you have to women all around the world?
“My message to women is to work hard and be independent so that you can improve the well being of your families.”
Members of Lyra actioning ‘Balance for Better’ in support of IWD2019