Generation Equality Commitment Makers in the Spotlight: How Girl Up is Empowering Tanzanian Girls for Equality

In Tanzania, a quiet but powerful revolution is unfolding, led by young women determined to shape a future where gender no longer defines one’s access to opportunity. Leading the way is Girl Up, a youth-led organization, dedicated to empowering girls to claim their space in traditionally male-dominated fields like STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. But the mission of Girl Up goes beyond education, pushing for gender equality in every aspect of life - from land ownership to civic participation.

For Girl Up – commitment maker under Action Coalition on Economic Justice and Rights, Feminist Action for Climate Justice, Bodily Autonomy and Feminist Movements and Leadership – the fight for equal rights is about creating a future where a girl’s potential isn’t limited by her gender. Through advocacy, education, and community support, Girl Up is helping young women access opportunities that were once out of reach, building a generation that can break through systemic barriers.

"Generation Equality, for me, means a world where women and girls have equal access to education and resources," says Necta Richard, Girl Up's Tanzania’s Regional Leader for 2023 and 2024. "It’s about having equal chances, rights, and access to everything, both in our country and across the continent."
This vision is particularly urgent in Tanzania, where the country made commitments at the Generation Equality Forum in 2021 to advance women’s economic justice and rights: "Tanzanian women and girls need to have the opportunity to access resources, education, and opportunities. This will enable them to have decent jobs, support their families, and contribute to their communities,” says  Necta.

Girl Up's Role in Advancing Tanzania's Gender Equality Commitments

In a meeting organized in Tanzania to accelerate implementation of the country’s Generation Equality Forum commitments, Ms. Angellah Kairuki, Chairperson of the Committee on Generation Equality Forum, emphasized the importance of collective action in achieving gender equality: "It is through this spirit of creative collaboration that we can break down barriers and achieve lasting change for women and girls".

This spirit of collaboration mirrors Girl Up's work in Tanzania, whose work on gender justice, social justice, sexual and reproductive health (SRH), sports, and STEM, helps realize a world where every girl can dream big without the weight of inequality holding her back. Through its work on the ground, Girl Up offers girls mentorship programs, leadership training, and opportunities in STEM fields, while also advocating for policy changes that address the root causes of inequality.

Girl Up Tanzania's commitments to the Generation Equality Forum focus on advancing gender equality through impactful initiatives in both menstrual hygiene and women’s economic empowerment. The youth-led organization latest initiative in partnership with HUST and the government of Njombe, exemplifies this clear commitment. Together, they are working to provide menstrual hygiene education and reusable kits to girls in schools. With one in ten menstruating schoolgirls skipping school due to a lack of proper sanitary supplies, this initiative aims to reduce school absenteeism and contribute to gender parity in education. This partnership is set to educate 5,000 people, including students, teachers, and community members, advancing the understanding of menstrual health.

Additionally, Girl Up committed to increasing women’s participation in the fisheries industry by providing access to market information, technology, and training. The goal is to equip women in this sector with the skills to increase their profitability, achieve financial independence, and advance into leadership roles within the industry. To make this commitment happen, Girl Up is collaborating with FAO, and focusing on enhancing women's access to technology, enabling them to thrive in the fisheries sector, where 60% of seafood is marketed by women. Through this initiative, Girl Up is promoting dialogue with the government to advocate for gender-responsive policies and ensure that women have equitable access to decision-making roles within the industry.

To bring these commitments to life, Girl Up is actively fostering collaboration and providing resources:  "So far, we've launched two major programs. The first is the Women in STEM Summit, where industry experts discuss digital platforms and opportunities for women. This Summit creates a safe space for women to learn, participate, and access resources." In addition to the Women STEM Summit, Girl Up members have developed entrepreneurial products, working with young mothers and women in both rural and urban areas: "These products generate profits that support the participating families and mothers. Our entrepreneurship programs and summits empower women and girls to become economically independent and resilient", Necta explains.

The impact of Girl Up as a Generation Equality commitment maker is already being felt. Across Tanzania and other parts of the continent, Girl Up is inspiring a new generation of leaders - girls who are unafraid to take their place in boardrooms, classrooms, and civic spaces. These young women are driving  transformative action that challenges the status quo, redefining what is possible for women and girls everywhere.

“Generation Equality is not just a women and girls' issue; it's an everybody issue. When you empower a woman, you empower a nation and an economic system. Everyone should be part of this movement, including men, who can support their sisters, mothers, and communities”, says Necta.