Why am I supporting Hope for Girls and Women Tanzania?
Why does one support a nonprofit organization? Is it to set an example for others, or because one is inspired by a particular mission and vision? For me, the answer became very clear through a journey I never expected.
Much like my painting journey, my involvement with Hope for Girls and Women Tanzania (HGWT) happened quite serendipitously. Before 2019, the concepts of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) were not part of my everyday vocabulary. Although I trained as a physician in the late 1970s and early 1980s, FGM was never discussed during my medical education.
Everything changed when I was asked to become Chair of the FAWCO Target Program, and with the announcement of Safe Alternatives for Female Genital Mutilation Elimination (S.A.F.E.) as the FAWCO Target Project for 2020–2022.
This happened at the onset of the COVID pandemic, making it impossible to meet Rhobi Samwelly, founder and director of HGWT, in person. Instead, a steep learning curve followed through countless conversations with Rhobi and filmmaker Giselle Portenier, creator of In the Name of Your Daughter. Through the documentary screenings, I came to know the girls of HGWT. I listened as they shared their dreams of becoming doctors, lawyers, pilots, teachers, and police officers. Their courage, determination, and hope deeply moved me, and I realized this was where I wanted to invest my time and creativity.
Until then, my artwork had mainly been shared with family and friends through handmade cards and occasional paintings. Suddenly, my art found a different purpose. I decided to donate all proceeds from my cards and paintings to support the S.A.F.E. project. Thanks to the generosity of supporters, more than $12,000 was raised between March 2020 and March 2022.
When the Target Project ended, I faced an important decision. Painting had become an essential part of my life, and I knew I wanted to continue supporting HGWT. Supporting the tertiary education of girls became the natural next step.
Education for girls in Tanzania remains a major challenge. Although access to primary education improved significantly in the past, millions of children are still out of school, and girls are disproportionately affected. Early marriage, poverty, and FGM continue to prevent many girls from completing secondary school or pursuing higher education. Only a very small percentage of girls continue to tertiary education.
I often think back to the support I received from my own parents when I decided to study medicine. My father encouraged me wholeheartedly, even when others questioned whether it was wise to send a girl to university for six years. I was one of only 14 women in a class of 67 medical students. Their belief in me changed my life.
Now it has become my turn to support girls with similar dreams and ambitions.
One of these young women is Rehema G, who completed studies in Pharmaceutical Science, becoming the first person in her family to attend college or university. Another is Elizabeth K, who completed studies in hospitality and hotel management and is continuing her education. Suzan John, whose story was previously shared in my blog Meet Suzan John, a Future Pilot, recently completed her theoretical pilot training in Nairobi and has now begun her flight lessons.
Supporting these young women has shown me how education changes not only individual lives but entire communities. My journey with HGWT continues to evolve. While I will continue supporting students like Suzan, a new need has emerged: the redevelopment of the HGWT website to better share their work, stories, and impact with the world.
Art has given me far more than creative joy. It has allowed me to connect with extraordinary young women whose resilience and dreams inspire me every day. Every card, painting, and print sold becomes part of something bigger — an opportunity for a girl to study, grow, and shape her own future. I hope that through my art, others will also become part of this journey of hope, education, and lasting change.