Tanzania, renowned for its vibrant culture, the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, and rich traditions like those of the Maasai, is undergoing a transformative wave of social change led by remarkable women. At the forefront are Zainab Ansell, affectionately known as Mama Zara, and Ambassador Mariam Adam, two visionary leaders reshaping communities in Moshi, Tanzania. Through their work with Volunteer Tanzania and Zara Tanzania Charity, they empower women, youth, and children, promote sustainable tourism, and foster cross-cultural connections. This article explores their inspiring journeys, their contributions to social change, and how their leadership is paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable Tanzania.
The Rise of Women Leaders in Tanzania
Tanzania has made significant strides in gender equality, with women like President Samia Suluhu Hassan breaking barriers as the country’s first female president since 2021. Despite progress, challenges persist: only 37% of parliamentary seats are held by women, and cultural norms often limit women’s access to leadership roles, particularly in rural areas. According to UNESCO data, rural women face barriers like limited education, with a literacy rate of 78.7% compared to 85.5% for men.
Mama Zara and Mariam Adam are addressing these challenges through community-driven initiatives in Moshi, a hub for volunteer tourism near Mount Kilimanjaro. Their leadership demonstrates how women can drive systemic change by focusing on education, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development, challenging patriarchal norms and inspiring a new generation of leaders.
Mama Zara: A Visionary Philanthropist and Tourism Pioneer
Who is Mama Zara?
Zainab Ansell, fondly called Mama Zara, is the founder of Volunteer Tanzania and Zara Tanzania Charity, organizations dedicated to community development and ethical tourism in Moshi, Tanzania. A trailblazer in the traditionally male-dominated tourism industry, she has spent over three decades building a legacy that intertwines adventure, sustainability, and social impact. Her journey began in Moshi, where her deep connection to the community and passion for cultural preservation inspired her to create opportunities for global volunteers to contribute meaningfully.
Mama Zara’s accolades, such as the EmpowerHer Excellence Award for Local Investor Impact (2024) and the Top Women Excellence Award 2025 from the Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce, reflect her transformative leadership. Her work has been featured in international media and recognized by the World Travel Awards, underscoring her role as a beacon of change. Learn more about her journey at zainabansell.com.
Driving Social Change Through Zara Tanzania Charity
Mama Zara’s vision for social change is realized through Zara Tanzania Charity, which channels 15% of profits from Zara Tanzania Adventures into community projects. Her initiatives include:
- Education: Building and renovating classrooms at schools like Kaloleni Primary School and Moshi Kids Centre, providing underprivileged children with access to quality education. For example, a recent classroom opening at Moshi Kids Centre has enabled over 100 children to access early education.
- Women’s Empowerment: Supporting Maasai women through vocational training in beadwork, hospitality, and entrepreneurship at the Maasai Women Vocational Training Center. Over 200 women, like Neema and Sarah, have transitioned from training to running their own businesses, increasing their incomes by up to 50%.
- Environmental Conservation: Leading the Asali Project, which has planted over 500 trees annually to combat deforestation around Kilimanjaro, aligning with Tanzania’s sustainability goals.
- Healthcare Support: Providing health insurance for over 900 porters and supporting mobile clinics in rural Moshi, improving access to maternal and child healthcare through Zara Charity’s healthcare programs.
Mama Zara’s philosophy, “If you want to help people fight poverty, give them education,” drives her mission. By integrating volunteer tourism with community needs, she ensures that global visitors contribute to sustainable development while experiencing Tanzania’s rich culture, from Maasai traditions to Kilimanjaro’s majesty.
Impact on Moshi’s Communities
In Moshi, Mama Zara’s initiatives have transformed lives. The Moshi Kids Centre, supported by Zara Charity, provides free education and holistic care to orphans, breaking the cycle of poverty. For instance, a young girl who once struggled with malnutrition now excels academically and volunteers at the centre, a testament to Mama Zara’s impact. Her work at the Maasai Women Vocational Training Center has empowered women like Amina, who learned beadwork and business skills, boosting their incomes and confidence.
Mariam Adam: A Global Advocate for Ethical Tourism
Who is Mariam Adam?
Ambassador Mariam Adam is the Sales Lead for Volunteer Tanzania and a dynamic leader in ethical tourism and community empowerment. With a background in nursing, tour consultancy with Gulf Air, and leadership roles in the African Women Leaders Organization (AWLO), Mariam brings a wealth of experience to her work. Honored with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, she is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, sustainable travel, and cross-cultural connections.
Mariam’s transition from healthcare to tourism reflects her commitment to creating transformative experiences. Her event consultancy skills and global outreach have positioned Volunteer Tanzania as a leader in ethical volunteer programs, competing with organizations like International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) and GVI.
Driving Social Change Through Sustainable Initiatives
Mariam Adam’s leadership focuses on scaling Volunteer Tanzania’s impact through innovative programs:
- Youth Empowerment: Training over 200 youth annually in hospitality and tourism at Zara’s lodges and camps, equipping them with skills for sustainable careers. For example, youth trained in tour guiding have secured jobs in Moshi’s booming tourism sector.
- Environmental Sustainability: Leading ocean cleanup campaigns that have removed seven tonnes of plastic waste from the Indian Ocean, as part of Zara Charity’s environmental initiatives. Her tree-planting efforts complement Mama Zara’s Asali Project, fostering eco-friendly volunteering opportunities.
- Women’s Economic Inclusion: Supporting women’s cooperatives through training in financial management and entrepreneurship. Mariam’s efforts have empowered women like Grace, who started a small business selling crafts to tourists, increasing her income by 40%.
- Cultural Exchange: Promoting cross-cultural connections by integrating volunteers into Maasai communities through programs like Maasai Cultural Immersion, where volunteers learn traditional practices while contributing to projects like school construction.
Mariam’s global advocacy, including speaking at international conferences on sustainable tourism, amplifies Tanzania’s voice. Her work with Zara Charity’s sponsorship programs has supported over 50 children’s education through scholarships.
Impact on Volunteer Tourism
Mariam’s leadership ensures that Volunteer Tanzania’s programs are tailored to volunteers’ skills while meeting community needs. Volunteers at the Moshi Kids Centre report transformative experiences, with one describing how teaching English alongside Maasai women deepened their cultural understanding. Her focus on ethical tourism attracts students, professionals, and retirees seeking meaningful experiences, setting Volunteer Tanzania apart from competitors.
How Mama Zara and Mariam Adam Collaborate
Together, Mama Zara and Mariam Adam form a powerful duo, combining grassroots impact with global outreach. Mama Zara’s vision for Zara Tanzania Charity provides the foundation for community-driven projects, while Mariam’s expertise in sales and advocacy connects these initiatives to a global audience. Their collaboration ensures that Volunteer Tanzania offers:
- Personalized Volunteer Experiences: Projects in education, healthcare, and conservation are tailored to volunteers’ skills, ensuring maximum impact.
- Cultural Immersion: Volunteers engage with Maasai traditions and explore Mount Kilimanjaro, blending social change with unforgettable travel experiences.
- Sustainable Outcomes: Initiatives like tree planting and vocational training align with Tanzania’s development goals, ensuring long-term benefits.
Their partnership has elevated Moshi as a hub for volunteer tourism, competing with larger organizations by emphasizing authenticity and local impact. While IVHQ offers broad programs across Africa, Volunteer Tanzania’s focus on Moshi-specific projects and cultural integration sets it apart.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite their successes, Mama Zara and Mariam face challenges like cultural barriers and limited resources. UNESCO data highlights that rural Tanzanian women often face early marriage and limited education, hindering their leadership potential. Mama Zara counters this through vocational training at the Maasai Women Vocational Training Center, while Mariam advocates for policy changes through organizations like AWLO. Their resilience mirrors that of other Tanzanian women leaders, like Mzuri Issa, who pushes for legal reforms through the Tanzania Media Women’s Association.
Why Their Leadership Matters
Mama Zara and Mariam Adam’s leadership is a beacon for women in Tanzania and beyond. Their work aligns with global gender equality goals, as outlined in UN Women’s initiatives, and inspires young women to pursue leadership roles. By empowering communities in Moshi, they contribute to Tanzania’s economic growth, with studies from the World Bank showing that increasing women’s workforce participation could raise GDP by 3.6%.
Their efforts resonate with the growing trend of volunteer tourism, as eco-conscious travelers seek meaningful experiences. By offering programs that combine social impact with cultural immersion, they attract a global audience, from students to retirees, eager to make a difference.
How to Support Their Mission
You can join Mama Zara and Mariam Adam’s movement for social change through Volunteer Tanzania:
- Volunteer in Moshi: Contribute to projects in education, healthcare, or conservation. Explore opportunities at Volunteer Tanzania’s Programs.
- Stay at Ghala House Apartments: Experience comfortable, volunteer-friendly housing in Moshi with stunning Kilimanjaro views. Learn more at Ghala House Apartments.
- Donate or Sponsor: Support Zara Tanzania Charity’s initiatives, such as classroom construction or women’s training, through donations or child sponsorships.
- Spread Awareness: Share their stories on social media platforms like X to amplify their impact and attract more volunteers.
Learn more about Mama Zara’s journey at zainabansell.com and connect with Volunteer Tanzania to start your journey.
final thought
Mama Zara and Mariam Adam are redefining leadership in Tanzania, driving social change through education, women’s empowerment, and sustainable tourism. Their work in Moshi, rooted in Zara Tanzania Charity’s mission, empowers communities, preserves cultural heritage, and promotes ethical travel. As Tanzania continues to evolve, their legacy inspires a new generation of women leaders and global volunteers to build a brighter, more inclusive future.
Join Mama Zara and Mariam Adam in transforming lives. Volunteer with us in Moshi, Tanzania, and make a lasting impact. Visit Volunteer Tanzania to learn more!