Entrepreneurship

Reducing risky behaviour in a sexual health context is fundamentally linked to income generation. Our audience are requesting more focus on livelihoods and job creation. Femina HIP is increasingly assisting youth in improving financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills. Our media products provide information on savings schemes, accessing small loans and how to set up small businesses. Through regular TV and magazine content, we are further developing our agenda around income generation and entrepreneurship, working with partners wherever possible.

Ruka Juu

In March of 2011, Femina HIP launched a special season of Fema TV Show, entitled "Ruka Juu na Fema TV Show." The season was built on the concept "Ruka Juu! Jenga Maisha Yako." (meaning "Jump up! Build your life." in Swahili), a call for young people in Tanzania to develop entrepreneurial skills.

The debut season of Ruka Juu ran for 11 weeks, following six young Tanzanian micro-entrepreneurs as their skills were put to the test with a series of challenges. Competing for a grand prize of five million shillings to put toward their business, the contestants were observed on television as they as dealt with situations such as difficult customers, sourcing money for investment and putting together a marketing plan. The contestants also had to demonstrate their knowledge about HIV/AIDS and Sexual and Reproductive Health.

Results of the competition were determined by scores from a panel of expert judges weighing 60%, and audience votes via SMS weighing 40%. No contestants were eliminated until the finale episode, which was broadcast live on 21 May.

The winner of the Ruka Juu na Fema TV Show competition was Idrissa Mannah, a barbershop owner from Kibaha, Pwani Region. Other contestants in the tight race included Benitha Mwinuka, Rajab Mgongwe, Noel Mbelwa, Saumu Liku and Mariam Mwape.

Ruka Juu season 2;Young Farmers in business is now on air,

For more info:

Visit our Ruka Juu product profile page.

Visit the Ruka Juu website: rukajuu.feminahip.or.tz (content in Swahili)

Read the Ruka Juu finale press release in English or Swahili.

Rework The World

In 2009, Femina HIP joined hands with Rework the World, a global initiative mobilising youth around entrepreneurship, job creation and growing a green economy.

On 7 May 2009, a Rework the World regional meeting was organised in Dar es Salaam by the Tällberg Foundation, YES Inc., the University of Dar es Salaam Entrepreneurship Centre and Femina HIP. Endorsed by the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Youth Development, the meeting was a forum for entrepreneurs, youth leaders, environmentalists, investors and business leaders to "create new links between ideas and green resources."

Participants took part in working group sessions covering four areas: energy, land, finance and skills. Femina HIP facilitated the session on skills. A summary of outcomes and future initiatives is available at: www.reworktheworld.org.

Solar Entrepreneurship

In 2010, Femina HIP joined hands with the solar light company d.Light to create awareness of the huge advantage and potential of using solar lights in rural Tanzania where only 2% access the national power grid. While promoting a "Right To Safe Lights" campaign encouraging safe and healthy light for schoolage children and their studies, d.Light also offers young Tanzanians the opportunity to become solar lamp entrepreneurs, thus generating an income.

The July-September 2009 and October-December 2009 editions of Fema features information about opportunities that solar energy can create for youth.