Her Initiative Speaks on Digital Opportunities for Young Women on EFM
In May 2025, Her Initiative reached a powerful milestone in its journey to advocate for young women’s digital and economic inclusion, this time, on the national stage.
Our Senior Programs and Communications Officer, Tariq Salim, was invited to speak live on EFM, one of Tanzania’s most trusted media platforms. It wasn’t just an interview. It was an opportunity to bring our message to households across the country, elevating the voices and experiences of young women navigating the digital world.
And in doing so, we opened up a much-needed conversation on opportunity, access, and safety in Tanzania’s fast-evolving digital economy.
Why This Media Moment Mattered
At Her Initiative, we have always known that policy, programs, and platforms are only part of the work, the rest is shifting mindsets, narratives, and public understanding. That’s what national media gives us: a channel to speak directly to the people, not just the stakeholders.
EFM has a wide reach, especially among youth audiences. So when we had the opportunity to join the conversation, we knew the importance of showing up not just with data, but with real stories, real solutions, and a real voice.
Redefining Who a "Young Woman" Is
Tariq began the session by unpacking what we mean when we say “young woman.”
It is not just about age. It is about potential. About the drive to grow, lead, and contribute meaningfully to society. In digital spaces, this potential is limitless but only if the access, tools, and safety nets are there.
The Digital Gender Divide is Still Too Wide
Tariq shed light on the very real gap that exists in digital access between young men and young women in Tanzania. While mobile penetration and internet use are growing, young women still lag behind due to factors like:
- Limited access to smartphones or data
- Societal norms that discourage women from being “too visible” online
- A lack of digital literacy and mentorship opportunities
- The threat of online harassment or exploitation
He made it clear: Without safe and supportive digital spaces, young women are being left behind economically, socially, and politically.
Spotlight on Panda Digital: A Platform Built for Her
In response to this gap, Her Initiative created Panda Digital, a platform designed specifically for young women who want to learn, grow, and build businesses in a digital economy that often overlooks them.
On EFM, Tariq shared how Panda Digital:
- Offers free business education tailored for beginners and early-stage entrepreneurs
- Hosts a safe, supportive marketplace for young women to showcase and sell products
- Connects users to mentors and expert advice from across the country
- Promotes digital literacy and confidence, not just access
In short, Panda Digital helps turn potential into opportunity, and that is the real game-changer.
Creating Visibility, Building Trust
This media appearance didn’t just give us airtime, it gave young women across Tanzania a signal:
Your voice matters. Your business matters. Your safety matters. And there’s a place for you in the digital economy.
As an organization rooted in youth-led innovation, this was a proud moment for Her Initiative. It reflected years of grassroots work, system-building, and a strong commitment to changing how the world sees and supports young women.
What Comes Next?
More visibility. More digital inclusion. More platforms like Panda Digital are reaching deeper into rural and underserved communities.
Her Initiative is not stopping here. We will continue using every tool available media, technology, policy, and community to push for a world where young women are not just online, but thriving online.
Final Thoughts
The digital future must be equitable, inclusive, and safe for everyone. National conversations like the one on EFM are critical in making that future possible.
We are grateful to EFM for opening the space, and to all our partners, allies, and young women who continue to show us that when we build with her in mind, everyone rises.