Transitional leadership is like a river: never still. It flows, sometimes calm and clear, sometimes wild and rushing, always moving, always shaping the land it touches. One chapter of leadership flows into the next, not as an end, but as a continuation, new currents carrying the dreams, wisdom, and labor of those who came before.
Over a decade ago when I founded Msichana Initiative with the support of family and friends, I envisioned creating a vibrant space where budding young women leaders can showcase their leadership at the helm of the organization. I promised to serve for not more than a decade as my commitment to feminist succession leadership and sharing of power. Staying true to my promise then, we at Msichana Initiative began to lay the groundwork for my transition out of the organization’s Executive Director position, to pave the way for new and purposeful girl-led thinking.
Since 2023, Msichana Initiative has been taking deliberate action to better understand feminist succession planning and transitional leadership. Through trainings, refining our policies and maintaining a continuous thread of communication, we have gone through a rigorous process, involving Msichana’s team, our board of directors, founding members and partners, ensuring everyone is well-prepared and ready for my intended leadership transition once the time comes. In July 2024, after more than a decade with the organization, I officially shared my intention with the Board to step down from the role of Executive Director (ED), effective December 31, 2025.
Msichana Initiative will continue to be a platform for girls and young women to lead and be impacted through its programs. Therefore, as part of our succession plan, we aspire to ensure that young women are the majority and lead the organization in fulfilling its core functions.
Msichana Initiative’s Board has elected the Succession and Recruitment Committee (“Committee”) to oversee this process. The Committee will ensure that the next leadership remains committed to the vision and mission upon which our organization was founded, which is safeguarding girls’ rights, while bringing fresh ideas and energy to take the organisation to new heights.
The Committee, which includes a selected number of founding members and board members, will guide the process seamlessly. The Committee’s mandate is to:
- a) Spearhead the transition process at Msichana Initiative through engaging staff and key partners.
- b) Oversee and manage the recruitment process for the new ED and recommend a final candidate for appointment by the Board and subsequent approval by Members.
Transition can be tender and transformative. I would like to assure everyone that this is a planned, thoughtful process and not a crisis. I have made a decision to transition from my current role, with the goal of making space for new leadership of young women leaders. Msichana will continue to be committed to its goal of empowering girls and young women while using policy advocacy to advance girls’ rights in Tanzania and beyond. I am confident in the capacity and commitment of Msichana Initiative’s team, founding members and the Board to see this important process through. I have huge admiration for what we have built together and confident in what the team will build next.
I am always reminded, leadership is not held, it is passed on, shared, and transformed. While this is a change, it is also an exciting opportunity to reflect on who we are and where we want to go together, grounded by feminists’ principles and values.
Rebeca Gyumi
Founder & Executive Director
Msichana Initiative
30.04.2025