National Network for Girls Social Shifters

Funded by

Malala Fund

From: 2023-01-01

To: 2024-12-31

This one-year project, supported by the Malala Fund Girls’ Program, aimed to strengthen civic engagement among girls and young women in Zanzibar. It focused on building their capacity to lead social change, overcome gender-based barriers, and participate meaningfully in their communities.

The project began by identifying and training 60 girls from different regions and districts of Zanzibar. These girls formed the foundation of the National Network for Girls Social Shifters (NNGSS). Through a series of capacity-building sessions, they gained skills in leadership, advocacy, and community engagement. As a result, they became active leaders in their local areas and established a formal network to support other girls.

As the network grew, a sister chapter was formed in Pemba to ensure regional inclusion and representation. The NNGSS members took the lead in organizing community awareness campaigns on issues affecting girls, such as gender stereotypes and access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). These activities increased visibility of girls’ leadership and encouraged community support.

To extend the impact within schools, the project introduced 20 Girls Care Clubs. These clubs created safe spaces for girls to discuss SRHR-related topics, receive peer support, and stay engaged in school life. They also helped promote a sense of belonging and confidence among girls, contributing to both academic retention and personal growth.

Over the course of the project, more than 1,000 girls and young women, both in and out of school, participated in various activities. One of the most notable outcomes was the formation of district-level sub-groups led by trained girls. These groups continue to advocate for gender equality and civic participation, ensuring sustainability of the initiative beyond the project’s formal closure.