Redefining Leadership: Shamila Mligha’s Path to Leadership and Social Change
Leading with Purpose to Empower Women and Girls.
Every girl deserves to see the world as a place of limitless opportunities.
Samwa Primary School 2023
Igniting Creativity and Learning in the Youngest MindsAs a student trainer back in 2023 while doing my A-levels, I had the incredible opportunity to empower the youngest minds at Samwa Primary School, located in rural Laroi Oljoro in Arusha, Tanzania. Through AfrikaLearns Early Childhood workshops, we brought an exciting mix of creativity and learning to the classroom, using Arts and Crafts, Storytelling, and critical thinking games with LEGO bricks to engage the children.
These workshops were designed not only to make learning fun but also to inspire imagination and critical thinking in young children, showing them the power of creativity. It was incredible to see the joy and curiosity these workshops sparked in the students, as they began to develop problem-solving skills and express themselves through their art.
I am incredibly proud of how the children embraced these activities and how we, as student trainers, were able to guide them in exploring new ways of thinking. It’s moments like these that remind me of the importance of early childhood education and how crucial it is to build a strong foundation of creativity, critical thinking, and confidence from a young age.
Msichana camp 2023
Cultivating Strength: Confidence Building and Creative Expression for Young GirlsIn December 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to be a guest speaker at the Msichana Camp, an event dedicated to empowering young girls and fostering creativity, confidence, and leadership. The camp brought together an inspiring group of girls from various backgrounds, all eager to explore their passions and strengthen their skills in a supportive, encouraging environment.
Throughout the event, we focused on building confidence through various activities such as reading, art, and leadership exercises. I was deeply moved by how each girl expressed herself uniquely, whether through vibrant art projects, heartfelt stories, or reflections on what it means to be a leader.
One of the most heartwarming moments at the camp came when a 9-year-old girl shared her story. A passionate reader, she started designing her artwork on paper with little sayings like "I love to read," and with her mom's help, she laminated them and began selling the pieces for a profit. At just 9 years old, she’s already turning her creativity into a small business, showing how powerful passion and initiative can be. It was truly inspiring to see such confidence and drive at such a young age—she’s already shaping her future with her own hands.
As we wrapped up the day, I couldn’t help but feel hopeful. These girls are not just our future—they are already leading in their ways. My time at the Msichana Camp reinforced my belief that when young girls are given the right support and opportunities, there is no limit to what they can achieve.
They are not just our leaders of tomorrow, but leaders of today.
Uchumi Hub Debut 2024
Shaping Future Female Entrepreneurs: The Successful Launch of Uchumi HubUchumi Hub is an organization co-founded by myself and three other passionate female activists, and our mission is to empower young girls by fostering entrepreneurial spirit and building confidence.
Our inaugural group session, which took place in July 2024, was a resounding success, featuring three eager participants.
During this first session, the girls received hands-on training that focused on improving their confidence while developing essential entrepreneurial skills. They were introduced to the Business Model Canvas, a tool designed to help them structure their business ideas effectively. In addition, they learned key budgeting skills—an essential foundation for any aspiring entrepreneur.
At Uchumi Hub, we are committed to nurturing the untapped potential of young girls, equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the business world. This debut marked the beginning of our journey to inspire and empower the next generation of female leaders and entrepreneurs.
As the founder of The Namzah Foundation, “Namzah” an abbreviation for “Mwanamke Anaweza” Based in Arusha, Tanzania. This non-profit organization is committed to driving gender equity and empowering women in all areas of life.
From providing critical sanitary products to girls in secondary schools to supporting women in rural communities who face extreme poverty or have suffered from harmful cultural practices, the organization is focused on dismantling obstacles that limit young girls and women’s potential.
Through education, advocacy, and tangible support, we work to create opportunities that allow women and girls to thrive, break free from outdated traditions, and build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
During my formative years, I was often told that leadership was reserved for the bold and the assertive, those who effortlessly commanded attention. As a young girl, I questioned whether I possessed the qualities necessary to assume such a role. However, through perseverance and determination, I discovered that true leadership is not defined by gender or volume but by integrity, resilience, and compassion.
My path to leadership has been marked by self-doubt and uncertainty, yet these moments have strengthened my resolve and deepened my empathy. I have come to understand that true leadership involves acknowledging mistakes, learning from them, and continually striving for improvement.
The movement for empowering women and young girls is not about undermining men or young boys; it’s about bridging the existing gender gap, especially in fields like STEM, and leadership. It is about creating an environment where both women and men can thrive equally, and where opportunities for success are accessible to all, regardless of gender.
In many parts of the world, particularly in third-world and sub-Saharan countries like Tanzania, these inequalities are more pronounced, limiting the potential of entire communities. By investing in women and girls, we are not only uplifting them but also creating a more balanced, equitable society where everyone has the chance to contribute to progress and development.
Empowering one group does not diminish another—it strengthens the fabric of society as a whole.