25-year-old Khairat Suleiman Ame from Zanzibar is a Community Mobilizer. In a community where women struggle to overcome gender inequality, have lower earning power, and most marry early, she defies the odds. Her parents divorced when she was young, leaving her mother with few resources to raise her family. Khairat knew she wanted a better future. Today she is creating financial independence despite the odds.
Feed the Future Tanzania Advancing Youth trained Khairat on entrepreneurship, leadership, and life skills including reproductive health education. In the beginning, she was not confident that she had a voice, let alone that she could persuade others to protect their health or save money in youth groups. Training has transformed Khairat into a woman with both business skills and self-esteem. She is an accomplished and personable leader now, much respected by her community, and a leader to other youth.
“I have formed and trained YSLA youth groups on how to improve their businesses as individuals and in groups. They have achieved success from various sources of livelihood which contribute to their growth. At first, I didn’t believe that I could do it. I now address people confidently, and many have gained a lot from my advice. I have also increased my income through networking and exposure to business networking opportunities. This has enabled me to help my mother and my relatives,” she said.
During his visit to the Advancing Youth Program in Zanzibar, Donald J. Wright met with Khairat. She confidently told her story; how the leadership and life skills training gave her the courage to stand firm for her rights, especially when she was forced into early marriage by her family. She added that the trainings also gave her the confidence to become a gender equality advocate.
USAID