C-SEMA Joins the First Lady of Finland in Opening New Gender and Children Desk in Zanzibar

On a warm morning in Zanzibar, C-SEMA joined Her Excellency Ms. Suzanne Innes-Stubb, the First Lady of Finland, for the opening of a new Police Gender and Children Desk (PGCD) at Madema Police Station, standing in solidarity with survivors of gender-based violence and all those working to make justice and protection more accessible.

For too many women, children and men, reporting abuse can be a frightening and isolating experience. The new Desk is a response to that reality, a dedicated space within the police station where survivors can be heard, supported, and referred to the help they need, with dignity and care.

The event brought together local leaders, international partners, police officers, and young people, all with a shared purpose: to make sure that survivors don’t face these challenges alone, and that the systems meant to protect them are equipped, welcoming, and truly responsive.

Her Excellency Ms. Suzanne Innes-Stubb, the First Lady of Finland speaking to the beneficiaries of the Chaguo Langu Haki Yangu Programme.

The event brought together community members, government officials from Zanzibar, representatives from UNFPA and the Government of Finland, as well as fellow implementing partners of the My Right, My Choice (Chaguo Langu, Haki Yangu) programme. United by a shared goal, all were there to champion a simple but powerful message: survivors of violence should never have to walk alone, and the systems meant to protect them must be accessible, compassionate, and built to respond to their needs.

Representing C-SEMA was Mr. Michael Marwa, our Head of Program and Director of the National Child Helpline, who attended in the organization’s role as a key implementing partner of the My Right, My Choice (Chaguo Langu, Haki Yangu) programme, which is supported by Finland and coordinated by UNFPA.

During the visit, the First Lady had the chance to sit down with a few young people and educators who have been part of the programme. Among them were:

• Ms. Kazija Hamad Juma, Education Officer for Life Skills and Disability Inclusion

• Ms. Asha Said Khatib, Head Teacher at Jang’ombe Secondary School

• A student from Jang’ombe Secondary School

• Ms. Jamila Borafya Hamza, representing youth with disabilities

They shared honest reflections on how the programme’s school sessions, workshops, radio shows, and community dialogues have helped them understand children’s rights, and how to speak up when those rights are violated.

For young people with disabilities, this support has been especially important. Through partnerships with disability organizations, many are now more confident to make decisions about their lives and futures.

Her Excellency Ms. Suzanne Innes-Stubb, the First Lady of Finland during her speech.

The First Lady of Finland listened with care and thanked the group for their stories and their strength. She encouraged them to use the services available through the new Desk and reminded everyone that no one should face violence alone.

This new Desk is a sign of progress for the people of Madema and it shows what’s possible when people come together with a shared commitment to protect children and build a more just and caring society.

Prepared by C-Sema's Communication Team.

The One Stop Centre was made possible through the Chaguo Langu Haki Yangu - My Choice My Rights programme, a partnership between UNFPA Tanzania, the President’s Office - Regional Administration and Local Government, the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups, the Disability Unit at the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Ministry of Health, with generous support from the Government of Finland.