Bi. Asma never set out to pursue politics. After overcoming a challenging period in her life, she found herself wanting to do more—to give back to the community she had come to know so well through her business. This desire led her to apply for a position as a mjumbe wa balozi (local representative) in the government, an administrative role that allowed her to work directly with the people. She has held the position for nearly a decade, earning the trust and respect of her community.
Through her work, she became an active and well-known figure in local governance, admired for her readiness, capability, and deep commitment to service. But soon, administrative duties were no longer enough—she wanted to do more than facilitate, she wanted to lead. The only challenge: a fear of public speaking.
Her role had never required her to address large crowds, and she doubted whether she could. The desire to lead was there, but the confidence to take the leap was not—until ZanzAdapt.
Introduced in 2024, ZanzAdapt is a project implemented by Community Forests Pemba (CFP) in collaboration with Community Forests International (CFI) and supported by Global Affairs Canada. The project empowers women as leaders in climate adaptation by equipping them with skills in governance, resource management, and economic resilience.
For Bi. Asma, the climate governance training was transformative. It gave her the guidance, tools, and encouragement she needed to grow, challenge herself, and step into leadership with confidence. She learned the fundamentals of leadership, the importance of representation in decision-making, and practical skills like public speaking and community mobilization. She realized she already had many qualities of a good leader—the only barrier was her own fear. With time, she overcame self-doubt, refined her communication, and adopted a stronger presence in leadership spaces.
Armed with new skills, she boldly ran for the position of Chairperson for the Women’s Wing (Umoja wa Wanawake Tanzania – UWT) in her ward. She lost by just three votes, but instead of being discouraged, she was motivated. Soon after, she contested in the district council elections, standing before senior party officials and even the then-President of Zanzibar, Hon. Ali Mohamed Shein. For the first time, she introduced herself to a massive crowd with confidence, earning recognition and praise even without a win.
Each attempt strengthened her. Though she didn’t win immediately, she gained credibility, experience, and visibility. Her persistence eventually paid off when she was elected Chairperson of the Tungu Women’s Platform, a role that allows her to directly support and uplift women entrepreneurs. Today, she leads initiatives that empower women through cooperatives, business training, and community-led projects—helping them access opportunities, form networks, and take charge of their futures.
Beyond politics, Bi. Asma is equally passionate about the environment. Inspired by ZanzAdapt, she uses her platform to advocate for climate action: encouraging tree planting, home gardens, and mangrove protection. She also promotes sustainable energy, even selling gas to reduce reliance on firewood and charcoal. Despite initial skepticism from some community members, she keeps meticulous records, follows up on initiatives, and reminds her peers: “Change doesn’t happen overnight. But if we stay persistent, we will see results.”
Balancing her businesses, leadership roles, conservation efforts, and family, Bi. Asma proves that with determination and support, women can drive meaningful change. Her journey from entrepreneur to leader shows the power of opportunity and persistence. Sometimes, all it takes is one chance—one push—to unlock true potential.
