As part of WLICT’s efforts to increase girls’ and young women’s participation in STEM and ICT, eight women professionals from diverse STEM fields were selected and trained as role models in Tanzania. Drawn from both national and local levels in Kigoma Region in western Tanzania, the cohort spans fields such as computer science, digital skills, health, education and aquatic sciences, introucing girls to a diverse range of STEM career pathways. Through training on mentoring, communication, safeguarding and school engagement, they were equipped to support and inspire girls in pursuing STEM studies and careers. The programme concluded with a practical outreach exercise at Ruhita Secondary School in Kasulu, where the role models engaged 30 STEM Club members and put their newly acquired skills into practice. These role models will form the basis of a national network in Tanzania, helping strengthen STEM clubs and increase the visibility of women in STEM fields.

Beyond Tanzania, Enabel is working to identify and train role models in Senegal, Mozambique, Jordan and Ukraine. Together, these national networks will be connected through an international Community of Practice, creating opportunities for peer learning, cross-country collaboration and the sharing of experiences and good practices. By fostering both local and global support networks, WLICT aims to increase girls’ awareness of STEM opportunities, strengthen support systems for young women and contribute to a more inclusive digital future.

Bonita Mpokwa, Retention Education Expert as part of Enabel's Wezesha Binti project in Tanzania attended and supported the workshop. "One thing that really stood out for me, she said, was realising how powerful it can be for young people to hear the stories of people who have walked a journey similar to theirs. The role models we trained have achieved different things, but behind those achievements are stories of challenges, difficult moments and circumstances that are not so different from what many young people, particularly girls in Kigoma, are experiencing today. I think there is something powerful about a young girl seeing someone who has gone through similar challenges and realising that her circumstances do not have to define how far she can go."

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