By Ahmed Abdulla,Zanzibar
In the tranquil village of Unguja Ukuu, the rhythmic hum of a small food processing machine signals a quiet revolution. It’s not just the sound of grinding fruits and spices it’s the echo of change led by a visionary woman, Yasmin Mussa Amir, whose determination has turned simple agricultural produce into a symbol of empowerment and hope.
Not long ago, Yasmin was a stay at home as house wife with no steady income, relying entirely on her husband for family needs. Her life took a new turn when she joined training sessions organized by Community Forests Pemba (CFP), designed to empower rural women with agri-processing and leadership skills.
“I joined with nothing but the will to learn,” Yasmin recalls with a smile. “Today, I stand proud knowing that 20 women in my village have found confidence and income through what we started together.”
Her exceptional performance during the training earned her the role of Trainer of Trainers (TOT) a position that allowed her to teach and mentor other women. She went on to establish a women’s group called “Umoja ni Nguvu”, dedicated to adding value to farm produce such as pickles, jams, chili sauces, and natural juices, all now sold in local markets, hotels, and community events.
The Strength of Family Support
Behind Yasmin’s success story lies a deep foundation of family unity a pillar that has kept her grounded and motivated through every challenge. Like many women in rural Zanzibar, her journey toward self-reliance was not an easy one. But unlike some, Yasmin was fortunate to have a family that saw potential in her dreams rather than dismissing them as unrealistic.
“My husband has been my biggest supporter,” she says, her eyes lighting up with gratitude. “In the beginning, not everyone understood why I wanted to spend long hours experimenting with fruits and spices. Some thought it was a waste of time. But my husband encouraged me every step of the way. When I’m too busy to go to the market, he buys the materials himself. Sometimes, he even helps with labeling and packaging. That support has made all the difference.”
Hassan Juma, is Yasmins husband he believes that partnership in marriage extends beyond household chores it includes sharing dreams. “I realized that what Yasmin was doing wasn’t just for her; it was for our entire family,” he explains. “When I saw the confidence it gave her, I knew this was something worth supporting. Now our children see their mother as an example of hard work and determination.”
Equally influential in Yasmin’s journey was her elder brother, Haji Mussa Amir, whose belief in her abilities opened unexpected doors. He was one of the first to recognize that Yasmin’s homemade pickles and jams were not just tasty they were market ready products.
“I remember bringing a few jars to the hotel where I work,” he recounts with pride. “The chef tasted them and said, ‘These are incredible why don’t we have these on our menu?’ That moment changed everything for her. The hotel placed a standing order, and suddenly Yasmin’s small kitchen business turned into a serious enterprise.” He explained.
For Yasmin, that breakthrough marked the beginning of something larger than personal success. It proved that when family members believe in one another, dreams that seem small can blossom into powerful movements of change. She often says that without her husband’s patience and her brother’s confidence, the “Umoja ni Nguvu” group might never have been born.
“I’ve learned that success doesn’t come from working alone,” Yasmin reflects. “It grows when people around you lift you up. My family gave me wings all I had to do was fly.”
Leadership That Challenges Cultural Barriers
In many rural communities, social norms still limit women’s roles in leadership and economic decision making. But Yasmin’s success has challenged those perceptions head on.
According to the Office of the Chief Government Statistician (OCGS, 2024), only 30% of women in Zanzibar occupy leadership positions at the community level, while more than 60% face social and cultural constraints that hinder their progress.
“Sometimes people thought I was being too ambitious,” Yasmin admits. “But I knew my goal to help other women stand on their own. Giving up was never an option.” She said.
Yasmin courage has made her not only a leader but also a role model who inspires other women to dream beyond traditional expectations.
Building a Vision for the Future
Today, the “Umoja ni Nguvu” group has bigger dreams. They plan to purchase land and build a modern processing center equipped with storage and quality control facilities. The group also aims to establish a village savings and loan system (VICOBA) to strengthen their financial base and support business growth.
“We want a permanent space where we can produce confidently and compete with quality,” Yasmin explains. “Our dream is to build something that lasts for us and for the next generation.”
Empowering Women, Empowering Communities
The Government of Zanzibar, through its 2020 Women and Gender Development Policy, emphasizes the need to increase women’s participation in leadership and economic decision making. This aligns with Zanzibar Vision 2050, which prioritizes gender equality as a cornerstone of sustainable development.
Organizations like TAMWA-Zanzibar and Community Forests Pemba (CFP) have been instrumental in training, providing startup capital, and connecting women entrepreneurs with markets.
Nairat Ali, Program Manager at TAMWA-ZNZ. She urges communities to discard outdated cultural beliefs that hinder women’s progress and embrace equality as a path to development. “Investing in women’s leadership is investing in the wellbeing of families and the entire community,” she said.
Similarly, Lilian Simule, International Marketing Manager at CFP, explains that the ZANZI ADAPT project has strengthened women’s capacity to manage businesses and lead within their communities. “Economic independence gives women a voice — and that voice transforms families,” she affirms.
The Ripple Effect of Change
Through Yasmin’s mentorship, 20 women now earn consistent monthly income. Their children attend school regularly, and the community has begun to recognize women as drivers of economic progress.
Wasila Abdalla, one of the group members, shares “These skills have given me financial stability and dignity. I can now contribute to my family’s needs with pride.”
Another member, Habiba Kassim, adds “Before joining the group, I never valued what we grew on the farm. Now I see how much we can achieve by adding value. Women can do even more when given the right knowledge.”
A Legacy of Courage and Leadership
Yasmin Mussa Amir’s journey from a humble homemaker to a respected community trainer is more than just a personal success story it is a powerful reflection of how education, cooperation, and determination can reshape entire communities. Through her resilience and vision, Yasmin has proven that real transformation begins when one person dares to believe in the possibility of change. Her story demonstrates that empowerment is not given; it is earned through persistence, courage, and the willingness to lift others along the way.
Beyond teaching women how to process agricultural products, Yasmin has inspired them to discover their own worth and potential. She has shown that knowledge is not only a tool for earning an income, but also a foundation for dignity and self-confidence. Today, the women she has mentored stand as living proof that when a woman is empowered, a community is reborn stronger, more self-reliant, and filled with hope for the future.
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