Changing Narratives for Women’s Leadership in Pemba

For Ziana Hassa, 27, leadership once seemed out of reach. Today, she is the Chairperson of Jitihada Waambaa Group in Wambaa Shehia, Pemba, where members listen to her guidance and work with her to develop group strategies.

“After being elected, I am proud because people listen to me, respect my guidance and work with me on strategies for our group,” she says.

Ziana’s experience reflects a shift among women participating in The Regenerative Seascapes for People, Climate and Nature (ReSea) -supported Blue Economy Enterprise (BEE) groups in Pemba. Women who once hesitated to speak in public are increasingly taking leadership positions, participating in decisions and challenging the belief that leadership is a man's role.

These barriers were reinforced by gender stereotypes. Ismail Omar, founder of Jitihada Waambaa Group, admits that he initially questioned women's ability to lead, believing their responsibilities should remain within the home.

From exclusion to leadership Previously, women in some groups had limited opportunities to speak publicly, influence decisions or hold leadership positions. At Jitihada Waambaa, women sometimes struggled even to introduce themselves in front of others.

“We found it difficult even to stand in front of people and say our names. Women were told that they could not do it,” Ziana recalls.

These barriers were reinforced by gender stereotypes. Ismail Omar, founder of Jitihada Waambaa Group, admits that he initially questioned women's ability to lead, believing their responsibilities should remain within the home.

Women take up leadership positions

As members began questioning existing leadership arrangements, some groups took concrete steps to create more opportunities for women.

At Mtu ni Yupi Group, members recognised that their leadership structure did not provide sufficient opportunities for women. Following training and discussions, the group revised its constitution and held elections, resulting in three women taking leadership positions: secretary, vice-chairperson and treasurer.

_“After the training, we realised that we needed changes in our leadership. We discussed and agreed to revise our group’s constitution and conducted an election,” _recalls Rukaiya, the group's secretary.

Jitihada Waambaa also reviewed its constitution and held elections, resulting in two women being elected as chairperson and treasurer. In Magarawani, members introduced a disciplinary committee into their constitution to strengthen accountability and address internal challenges.

These changes were part of a wider shift across four groups—Jitihada Waambaa, Mtu ni Yupi, Al-Mujitahid and Magarawani—which held elections that created opportunities for women and young people to take on leadership responsibilities in groups previously led mainly by older men

Changing attitudes, expanding possibilities

The changes have also influenced how some men view women's leadership. Ismail, who initially doubted whether women could lead, says he is now pleased to see young women taking on leadership responsibilities.

_“The young ladies came to me and said they wanted change in leadership and they want also to be in leadership positions. I asked them, ‘Will you be able to lead?’ Now they are leading well and things are moving in the group,” he says.

For Ziana, the change is personal and practical. She has moved from questioning whether people would listen to her to chairing a group and helping guide its work. Other women are managing finances, representing their groups and contributing to decisions about their organisations' future.

ReSea's support has contributed to an important intermediate outcome: women are taking up leadership positions, while some Blue Economy groups are changing their constitutions and leadership arrangements to create more inclusive opportunities.

The experiences of Jitihada Waambaa and Mtu ni Yupi demonstrate how changes in confidence and attitudes can be reflected in concrete organisational decisions.

For Ziana and other women in Pemba, leadership is becoming more than something they once struggled to imagine. It is a role they can pursue, hold and use to influence decisions within their groups and communities.

About the Project

The Regenerative Seascapes for People, Climate and Nature (ReSea) Project is a regional initiative working across Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Comoros and Madagascar to strengthen the physical, social and economic resilience of coastal communities to climate change. Implemented by Mission inclusion and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), in partnership with Women Fund Tanzania Trust (WFTT), with support from the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada, ReSea combines marine conservation, gender-responsive nature-based solutions for climate adaptation and inclusive Blue Economy opportunities. The project places particular emphasis on women and youth