Dorcas Bahati Mgogwe is a gender equality advocate and social entrepreneur dedicated to transforming the lives of adolescent girls in Tanzania. Growing up in a financially constrained household led by her single mother, Bahati witnessed firsthand the societal and economic barriers that limit girls’ opportunities. Her sister’s early pregnancy further reinforced her belief that education and financial independence are crucial to breaking the cycles of poverty and gender-based violence (GBV).

In response, she founded the Girls First Initiative (GFI), an organization committed to supporting adolescent mothers and at-risk girls through scholarships, entrepreneurship training, and reproductive health education. Since its inception, GFI has positively impacted over 12,000 girls, helping them return to school, become financially independent, and manage their reproductive health through offline period-tracking tools.

Bahati’s commitment to gender equality and social impact has been strengthened through her academic background and six years of experience in fundraising, program design, and community development. Her selection as a Mandela Washington Fellow in 2023 expanded her network, enabling her to scale GFI’s reach through strategic partnerships and leadership training.

GFI has so far adapted its approach to effectively support young women and combat GBV in Tanzania. Initially focused on awareness campaigns about girls’ rights and GBV prevention, the organization quickly recognized that education alone was insufficient. To provide practical solutions, GFI expanded its initiatives beyond scholarships to include entrepreneurship and financial literacy programs, equipping young women with economic independence to reduce their vulnerability to exploitation.

Recognizing the link between reproductive health education and GBV prevention, GFI introduced offline period-tracking tools and peer-led sexual health discussions. Additionally, the organization strengthened community partnerships and advocated for policy reforms, engaging with local leaders and law enforcement to enhance protections for GBV survivors.

“We realized that empowering girls requires more than awareness; it demands tangible solutions that address economic dependency and knowledge gaps,” Bahati explains.

Through global platforms like the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Bahati has connected with international organizations to bring scalable solutions to GFI’s mission, ensuring a more impactful and sustainable approach to gender equality.

Leveraging Technology for Awareness and Economic Empowerment

GFI is harnessing digital platforms and technology to enhance awareness, prevent GBV, and economically empower young women. The Msichana Kwanza Online Hub offers young women workforce readiness training, entrepreneurship resources, and financial literacy tools. Social media campaigns like #EndGBV and #GirlsFirst amplify survivors’ voices and advocate for policy change.

Additionally, initiatives such as Coffee on the Shelf provide digital marketing and e-commerce training, enabling young women to participate in the online economy. In rural areas with limited internet access, GFI offers offline reproductive health tracking tools to help girls manage their menstrual cycles and prevent unintended pregnancies. Virtual mentorship and career guidance through WhatsApp, Zoom, and Telegram further bridge the education and economic gap.

“Technology has allowed us to reach more girls than ever before. It bridges gaps in access to education and financial opportunities,” says Bahati.

GFI actively engages families, community leaders, and local authorities to create safer spaces for young women and combat GBV. Community dialogues challenge harmful cultural norms, while collaborations with traditional and religious leaders help promote protective practices. Law enforcement partnerships enhance GBV response mechanisms, ensuring justice for survivors.

On the policy front, GFI has played a critical role in advocating for women’s rights. The organization was instrumental in ending the school ban on pregnant girls and adolescent mothers, allowing them to return to education. Additionally, GFI has contributed to strengthening GBV response mechanisms and advocating for increased investment in economic empowerment programs for young women.

“We do not only advocate for policy change; we ensure its implementation by working closely with community stakeholders,” Bahati emphasizes.

Impact, Success Stories, Challenges and Future Goals

Over the years, GFI has empowered more than 12,000 girls through education, entrepreneurship training, and reproductive health education. More than 300 young women have gained financial independence by launching small businesses through GFI’s table banking and digital skills programs.

Community-driven initiatives have led to increased reporting of GBV cases and greater accountability for perpetrators. In Lushoto, GFI facilitated the construction of safe, sanitary toilets in schools, significantly improving school attendance and menstrual hygiene management.

“Seeing these young women regain their confidence and take control of their futures is our biggest success,” Bahati shares.

Despite its success, GFI faces challenges such as deep-rooted cultural norms, limited resources, and weak legal frameworks for GBV protection. The organization tackles these issues through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and advocacy for policy reforms.

Looking ahead, GFI aims to expand entrepreneurship training, financial literacy programs, and scholarships, particularly in rural areas. Strengthening community engagement and involving men in GBV prevention efforts remain a priority. Additionally, GFI seeks to enhance its digital platforms to provide reproductive health education, mentorship, and online job opportunities for young women.

“We envision a future where no girl is held back by poverty or gender inequality. Our work is far from over,” Bahati affirms.

Through these efforts, Dorcas Bahati Mgogwe and the Girls First Initiative continue to drive sustainable change, ensuring a future where young women in Tanzania have the opportunity to thrive.