Msichana Initiative is proud to announce the appointment of Consolata Chikoti as our new Executive Director, effective 25th August 2025.
Consolata will join the organisation during a special feminist co-leadership phase alongside our Founding Executive Director, Rebeca Gyumi, who will officially step down on 31st December 2025 after nearly a decade of transformative leadership. This intentional transition honours our commitment to shared power, intergenerational learning, and continuity in the fight for girls' rights.
A Rigorous Selection Process
Her appointment follows a rigorous and participatory recruitment process, led by the Board and Members' Recruitment & Succession Committee, and enriched by the voices of our staff and partners.
Bringing Experience and Vision
A dynamic, passionate, and visionary young feminist leader, Consolata brings more than seven years of experience in feminist leadership, advocacy, and movement-building. A human rights lawyer and global health specialist, she has worked extensively to advance gender equality and the rights of women and children.
Most recently, she served as Gender Consultant at the O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law (Center for Global Health Policy and Politics).
Deep Roots with Msichana Initiative
Consolata is no stranger to Msichana Initiative and women's movement. In her previous role as Msichana Initiative's Programs Manager, she led community empowerment initiatives across both rural and urban Tanzania, tackling gender-based violence, championing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), driving access to justice and legal reforms.
# Professional Background
Chikoti has also worked as Legal Officer at Women's Legal Aid Center (WLAC) and once led the Young Feminist Forum at Tanzania Gender Networking Program (TGNP). She holds an LL.B from the University of Dar es Salaam and an LL.M in Global Health and International Human Rights Law from Georgetown University Law Center.
Board Chair's Welcome
Prof. Bertha Koda, Board Chair - Msichana Initiative, noted:
"On behalf of the Board, I extend our warmest welcome to our new Executive Director. We have full confidence in her unwavering commitment, proven leadership, and deep understanding of the issues facing girls and women today."
Prof. Koda continued:
"We believe she will not only carry forward our feminist reform agenda with integrity and vision, but also strengthen it, inspiring the next generation to lead and amplifying our fight for the rights, dignity, and equal opportunities of girls and women everywhere. This is a pivotal moment in our journey, and we are excited to work alongside her to advance the change we all believe."
A Feminist Co-Leadership Model
This appointment represents more than just a leadership transition—it embodies Msichana Initiative's commitment to feminist principles of shared power and intergenerational mentorship. The co-leadership phase between August and December 2025 will ensure:
- Smooth transition of institutional knowledge
- Continuity in ongoing programs and partnerships
- Strengthened organizational capacity
- Living example of feminist leadership principles in practice
Looking Forward
As Consolata prepares to lead Msichana Initiative into its next chapter, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard girls' rights and ensure that girls enjoy recognition, dignity, and the opportunity to excel to their full potential.
With her proven track record, deep understanding of the challenges facing girls and women in Tanzania, and commitment to feminist leadership, Consolata is well-positioned to build upon Msichana Initiative's strong foundation while bringing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to the work ahead.
This leadership transition marks an exciting new chapter for Msichana Initiative—one that honors our past achievements while boldly stepping into a future where girls and young women continue to be at the center of transformative change.
