Champion of Change: Jumaa's Path from Makole Ward to Village Leadership
My name is Jumaa Msumari. I am a youth champion from Makole Ward. I joined the Ujana Salama project when it was introduced in Muheza District in 2022. This was after I received a call from my Ward Executive Officer about an organization called Femina.
I grew up as a young man who did not have the courage or understanding to follow up on issues of gender-based violence. In short, I did not know what gender-based violence is and the types of gender-based violence because I did not have the knowledge to recognize the kinds of violence and how to report gender-based violence acts. Thanks to the Ujana Salama project, I have become a very different youth, and my community has trusted me.
During the second phase of the Ujana Salama project, the ward leaders in the Ward Development Committee (WDC) selected me to attend a meeting as a representative for my sub-village chair. This was also an opportunity to participate directly in the meeting as the only young person.
I worked on implementing the Ujana Salama project in my community, and I became increasingly inspired to drive change. One of the most challenging issues was the prevalence of gender-based violence and the lack of support from some local leaders in addressing it.
This frustration sparked my desire to take on a leadership role to make a real difference. Driven by the desire to change my community, I thought I had to contest for leadership during the local government election.
When the time came, I decided to run for the position of village leader in Panga Mlima. To my surprise and delight, the community placed their trust in me, and I won with an overwhelming 96% of the votes. In the competition, I faced two opponents, a young man of 35 years and a 55 years women who served in the previous term.
I attribute this achievement to the transformative experience I had with Femina. They gave my life direction and purpose, empowering me to inspire and serve my community. As a village leader and individual, I am committed to creating positive changes and continuing the work that Femina instilled in me.
To Femina and the Ujana Salama project, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for helping me become who am I today.