Mariam Mwinyi boosts Zanzibar women via seaweed

Zanzibar's seaweed-farming women are finally doubling their harvests thanks to a foundation that actually gave them proper tools and training.

Zanzibar Maisha Bora Foundation's mission

• First Lady Mariam Mwinyi leads ZMBF as patron.
• Over 1,400 seaweed farmers got hands-on support.
• Motorized boats let them farm deeper, better-quality waters.
• Farmers organized into groups for easier loan access.

Kids and adolescent girls in focus

• Early-childhood programs reached over 9,700 children already.
• Tumaini Initiative distributed 7,000-plus reusable sanitary kits.
• Kits get manufactured locally, creating youth employment.
• Each kit lasts three to five years with proper use.

Healthcare push through Afya Bora Maisha Bora

• Over 30,000 people benefited from health services overall.
• Reproductive and maternal health campaigns lead the effort.
• Remote communities get priority for outreach access.
• ZMBF partners with Zanzibar's Health and Community Development ministries.

International Women's Day 2026 context

• This year's theme centers on Give To Gain.
• Mwinyi frames women's empowerment as a development engine.
• Regional forums connect East African First Ladies on strategy.
• ZMBF's work aligns with SDG-2030 and Africa's Agenda 2063.