How we celebrated this year's International Day of the Girl Child.

This year’s International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC) was nothing short of inspiring. From Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam, and all the way to Butiama in the Mara Region, girls stood tall and spoke with courage reminding everyone that they’re not just the future, they’re the change we need today.

With the global theme “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead,” this year’s celebration spotlighted girls’ leadership, digital empowerment, skills-building, and their growing role in shaping Tanzania Vision 2050. Together with partners, government stakeholders, and like-minded organizations, we witnessed the strength, creativity, and resilience of Tanzanian girls as they voiced their dreams for a more equitable tomorrow.

In Zanzibar.

The journey began in Zanzibar, where over 250 students 200 girls and 50 boys gathered at Hamamni Secondary School for a lively satellite event. The day opened with a creative exercise that asked students to imagine the kind of skills or laws they’d create to improve education. Ideas came fast from laws that promote equal access to technology, to skills in coding, public speaking, and leadership.

Then came a lively debate: Do grades matter more than skills? The discussion revealed just how bold and ambitious these young voices are.

“Combining education with skills will help me live a good life and support my family,” said Wildat, drawing cheers from her peers.

Ms. Wildat Abdallah addressing her peers during the debate.

By the end, everyone agreed that education and skills go hand in hand. For girls especially, access to both can unlock confidence, independence, and lifelong empowerment.

The session closed with students sharing their visions for 2050 a Tanzania where every girl has the knowledge, confidence, and creativity to use it

In Dar es Salaam.

The energy carried into Dar es Salaam, where the 2025 Girl Agenda Forum (GAF) one of Tanzania’s largest and most influential platforms for girls took center stage.

Now in its eighth year, the forum has grown from a small conversation in 2017 into a nationwide movement. This year, over 3,000 girls came together from across Tanzania including girls with disabilities, teen mothers, and out-of-school girls to celebrate girlhood, leadership, and resilience.

Day one opened with creative learning labs, exhibitions, and workshops that merged imagination with practical skills.

Girls showcasing what they made at the painting learning hub.

Girls explored coding and robotics, learned about financial literacy, experimented with weaving, filmmaking, and design showing that when girls are given the tools, they don’t just dream; they build.

Every corner of the forum buzzed with laughter, curiosity, and determination.

Ms. Consolata, Chief Executive Officer of Msichana Initiative, reminded everyone why spaces like this matter:

Ms. Consolata, Chief Executive Officer of Msichana Initiative during her speech.

“Girls already possess a voice. What they need most are safe spaces where they can express themselves freely, confidently, and constructively. Girls are not merely beneficiaries of change — they are the change that has long been awaited.”

That message echoed through the Girls’ Collective Statement, a powerful declaration read aloud by delegates:

“We see ourselves as leaders of today and tomorrow. Together, we will build the Tanzania we want by 2050.”

A spirited young girl delivering a statement on behalf of the girls in attendance.

The forum wasn’t all talk it was also a celebration. Music, dance, and storytelling lit up the stage, blending joy and purpose.

Representing the Irish Embassy in Tanzania, Ms. Fiona Quinn reflected on the moment:

“The vibrant dance and celebration performances by the girl champions reminded me of my own youth of the energy that defines young girls everywhere.”

UN Women’s Ms. Karen Giathi added:

“It’s not just about starting school it’s about staying in school. Education remains the foundation for empowerment and long-term progress. We must also close the digital gender gap and invest in girl-led innovation.”

UNICEF’s Deputy Representative for Programmes, Ms. Patricia Lombo, shared heartfelt words:

“As a woman, a mother, and an advocate for girls’ rights, I am filled with joy as we celebrate the potential, power, and promise of girls.”

And representing the Government of Tanzania, Hon. Amon Mpanju, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, reaffirmed the government’s commitment:

“Our government is working to ensure that every school-age child is enrolled and remains in school, in line with the new education curriculum. Girls, you are the change that is needed.”

By the end of the forum, one thing was clear girls aren’t waiting to be empowered. They’re already leading, innovating, and shaping Tanzania’s future.

In Butiama.

The celebrations wrapped up in Butiama District, Mara Region, where C-Sema and partners brought the spirit of IDGC to the heart of the community.

Over 400 participants students, parents, teachers, health workers, and local leaders gathered at Madaraka Primary School under the theme “Empowering Girls for a Brighter Future: Promoting Girls’ Rights and Ending Gender-Based Violence.”

Students from Madaraka Primary School reciting a poem they prepared.

The day began with song, traditional dance, and banners that read “Girls Can.” Sports took center stage a friendly football match between local schools carried the message “Equal Opportunities in Sports and Life.” Beyond the cheers and laughter, girls spoke about teamwork, courage, and inclusion. For many, it was their first time participating in such a public event and they shone.

Interactive sessions on sexual and reproductive health, menstrual hygiene, and gender-based violence gave girls and parents practical knowledge for safety and wellbeing. And in true C-Sema spirit, inclusion was at the heart of it all with sack races and chicken races for children with disabilities reminding everyone that empowerment means everyone belongs.

Students at Madaraka Primary School engaging in a game of tag of war.

“Though I cannot see the world with my eyes, I see it with my heart and dreams. Every girl, regardless of her ability, deserves equal chances to learn, lead, and shine,” said Shauri Masoya, 14, a girl with a visual disability.

By the end of the day, the sense of community was palpable. Parents pledged to support their daughters’ education, and girls left inspired to lead change in their own schools and villages.

From Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam to Butiama, this year’s IDGC celebration proved that the International Day of the Girl Child in Tanzania is more than a date it’s a movement.

A movement that connects communities. A movement that uplifts voices. A movement that reminds us that when girls lead nations move forward.

Through these celebrations, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every girl in Tanzania has the education, opportunities, and safe spaces she needs to thrive.

As one participant said beautifully:

“We are not just here to be seen. We are here to shape the future.”

Indeed, Tanzania’s girls have spoken and their voices are shaping a brighter tomorrow.

Prepared by C-Sema Communications Team.