How Anna Henga is Empowering and Inspiring Young Girls through the Female Students Mentorship Program 

In June 2019, the LHRC’s Executive Director, Anna Henga launched a special program titled the Female Students Mentorship Program. The program aims at reaching out to young girls in secondary schools and universities and empowering the group on issues of human rights, gender equality, and leadership. The program also encourages and inspires young girls to take a leadership role in accelerating positive changes in their communities.

More than 500 girls from four universities and six secondary schools have been empowered through the program. Four universities reached so far include the Muslims University of Morogoro – MUM, Sokoine University of Agriculture – SUA, Morogoro Campus, St. John’s University – Dodoma and St. Augustine University – Mwanza. Six schools include Pamba Secondary in Mwanza as well as Kilwa Secondary School, Dodomezi Secondary School, Islamic Secondary School, Maramba Secondary School and Mpunyule Secondary School all from Kilwa District in Lindi Region. 

When I was chatting with girls during this mentorship program, they were confidently opening up about so many things that rarely come up in the normal conversations. I realized that girls need more of these types of programs. They need encouragement, they need safe and free space to talk about issues affecting their lives, ” said Anna Henga (when asked by the LHRC’s Public Relations and Communication team to give her assessment of the program). 

The program is part of Anna Henga’s give back to the society following her recognition by the US Department of State as among 10 International Women of Courage 2019. Youth empowerment is a fundamental part of the LHRC's new six-year Strategic Plan 2019-2024. 

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