In September, as global leaders, funders, and changemakers gathered for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Her Initiative proudly brought the voices and realities of Tanzanian girls and young women to the global stage.
Lydia Charles, represented Her Initiative at the Spotlight Africa session “From Crisis to Clarity – Localization and Partnership” hosted by the Segal Family Foundation. Alongside fellow grassroots leaders and organizations like Dandelion Africa, Rays of Hope Malawi, Imago Dei, and Comic Relief, Lydia joined crucial conversations about sustainability, aid-cuts, and the future of development partnerships.
Sustainability Beyond Monetization
In her reflections, Lydia emphasized that “sustainability should not be about monetizing every solution but should be centered in dignity, trust, and long-term change.” This perspective, rooted in the realities of the communities we serve, guided her contribution to the dialogue.
For Her Initiative, sustainability has never been about quick fixes. It is about ensuring that adolescent girls and young women gain access to the tools, skills, and opportunities that allow them to remain in school, create livelihoods, and live with dignity.
Innovation Rooted in Lived Realities
At the session, Lydia highlighted how innovation in financing and programming can meet urgent financial needs while still protecting the most vulnerable communities from exclusion. She shared how Her Initiative’s work from Mshiko Clubs a livelihood project to Stawi Lab, an institutional strengthening project demonstrates sustainability in practice, linking financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and digital skills directly to the lived realities of girls.
Her message was clear: when girls are skilled, resourced, and trusted, they do not only transform their own lives but also create ripple effects of change that reach their schools, families, and communities.
Taking Tanzania’s Story to the Global Stage Lydia’s participation at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) was about building bridges connecting with new partners, donors, and funders who share our vision of an inclusive future where girls and young women are not seen as passive recipients but as active leaders of change. Against the backdrop of global aid cuts, it was a vital opportunity to raise awareness of the resilience and innovation emerging from local organizations in Tanzania.
While in New York, Lydia also attended the 2025 Goalkeepers Event hosted by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a convening of global leaders, changemakers, and philanthropists committed to accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 2025 event centered on the theme “We can’t stop at almost”, focusing on ending preventable child deaths and reigniting global commitment to child health and survival. Her presence at this convening was important in ensuring that local perspectives from Tanzania especially those of young women leaders driving community-based solutions were part of global discussions shaping the future of development.
From Tanzania to New York
Her Initiative’s presence at UNGA underscored a truth we continue to carry forward: local solutions have global relevance. What started in public schools in Dar es Salaam is now shaping global conversations about sustainability, equity, and partnership.
As we reflect on this milestone, we remain grounded in the lived experiences of the young women we work with. Their resilience and determination continue to guide our vision of sustainability, one that is not driven by monetization, but by dignity, trust, and long-term change.