In this day and age, where many civil groups exist, one needs to have a big heart in order to stand firm and fight for justice, according to Tanzanian human rights activist Ananilea Nkya.
Dr. Ananilea Nkya is described as one of the leading, and most outspoken, feminists in Tanzania and for 20 years led the Tanzania Media Women Association (TAMWA) and is currently sitting on the board of the Tanzania Media Fund also the chairperson of Jukwaa La Katiba (Constitution Forum).
As an activist, Ananilea Nkya has challenged governments and institutions on matters related to gender equality and justice, and she recalls that her inquisitive nature since childhood set her on this path at an early age. Dr, Nkya proudly commemorates her desire for justice and equality came from her parents.
Ananilea became a journalist and worked for many years in the media industry before she joined the civil society formally to head the Tanzania Media Women’s Association (TAMWA) in 2001.
In April 2022, Tanzania Media Foundation announced the appointment of Dr. Nkya, to be the Chairperson of its Board of Directors.
About TAMWA
Tanzania Media Women’s Association (TAMWA) is a non-profit, non-partisan, non-governmental and human rights organization founded and registered on 17th November 1987 under the Societies Ordinance Cap 337 of 1954 with registration number (SO 6763). In 2004, the association complied with the 2002, NGO Act of the United Republic of Tanzania. In 2007, TAMWA was also registered in Zanzibar as TAMWA Zanzibar under Society Act No. 6 of 1995.
The founder members of TAMWA are; Fatma Alloo, Edda Sanga, Leila Sheikh, Rose Haji, Ananilea Nkya, Valerie Msoka, Pili Mtambalike, Elizabeth Marealle, Rose Kalemera, Jamilla Chipo, Nellie Kidela, Halima Shariff and Chemi Kidete.
Watch her story here: