Mariam Mwinyi’s mission to empower communities

Zanzibar First Lady Mariam Mwinyi established the Zanzibar Maisha Bora Foundation (ZMBF) in 2021 to drive social and economic transformation in the region. As its Chairperson, she leads efforts to empower women and youth, particularly through initiatives tied to Zanzibar’s Blue Economy policy. One key focus is seaweed farming, a sector dominated by women but plagued by low returns and limited market opportunities. ZMBF has introduced value addition programs—such as improved drying, handling, and packaging—to help women secure better prices for their products, boosting household incomes. Beyond economic support, ZMBF addresses health and education gaps, including maternal and child health programs and campaigns against gender-based violence. A standout initiative is the Tumaini Program, which provides reusable sanitary kits to schoolgirls facing menstrual hygiene challenges, ensuring they can attend classes without interruption. The foundation’s work reflects Mariam’s lifelong commitment to education and community service, shaped by her own academic journey and government-backed opportunities. Mariam’s background includes studies at Kifungilo Primary School, Korogwe Girls Secondary School, and Kilakala Secondary School, followed by specialized training in healthcare and two Master’s degrees in education from the University of Manchester and Birmingham. Her marriage to President Hussein Mwinyi further solidified her role in public life, allowing her to channel her expertise into large-scale community development. ZMBF’s holistic approach—combining economic empowerment, health interventions, and education—aims to create lasting change for vulnerable populations across Zanzibar.