Discover our life changing Journey
From a young woman's vision to a movement that empowers girls across Tanzania. Learn how we're creating lasting change in communities.
A Young Lawyer's Vision
Rebeca Gyumi is a Tanzanian girls' rights activist and lawyer. Witnessing the distressing wave of girls' rights violations in her community, Rebecca, fueled by an unwavering determination, co-founded Msichana Initiative alongside 11 others. Their mission: to relentlessly champion the protection and recognition of girls' rights in Tanzania.
Harnessing her formidable legal expertise, Rebecca aspired to propel girls' rights forward, to ensure the implementation of gender-sensitive policies, and to empower girls to assert their rights. In 2016, Rebeca filed a petition challenging Tanzania's Marriage Act of 1971, which allowed girls as young as 14 to be married with parental consent and asked the court to raise the minimum age of marriage to 18 for both boys and girls.
The petition led to a landmark ruling in 2019 when the Court of Appeal ruled in her favour and ordered the Government to amend the law and raise the minimum age to 18.
The Challenge We Address
Understanding the harsh realities that millions of girls face and why our work is crucial
Barriers to Education
These practices create significant barriers to education, health, and personal development. Girls are often forced out of school, denied basic healthcare, and robbed of their childhood and future opportunities.
Violence Against Girls
Millions of girls across the world experience devastating forms of violence before their 16th birthday. In Kenya, particularly in rural and cross-border communities, girls face the harsh realities of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), child marriage, sexual violence, and poverty.
Our Journey
Key milestones in our mission to empower girls and end violence
Foundation
Natalie Tingo, at age 19, founded Msichana Empowerment Kuria to address FGM, child marriage, and violence against girls in the Kuria community.
Program Expansion
Launched women's income and investment groups, training over 500 women on financial resilience and economic empowerment.
Scaling Impact
Protected 780 vulnerable girls in Kuria from FGM, child marriage, sexual violence, and poverty through comprehensive support programs.
Global Recognition
Became part of a growing global community working to end violence against girls, partnering with international organizations and expanding our reach.
"As women, we must take the lead in changing mindsets and behaviors within our communities to create a better society for our children."— Elina Lusega, Chairperson of Msichana Café, Chiwe Ward, Kongwa-Dodoma