By Charles Mkoka
The Miriam Odemba Foundation, based in Dar es Salaam, continues to lead in empowering school girls across Tanzania, offering education and support aimed at ensuring their success. The foundation is now set to expand its reach to Tanzania’s islands, specifically Paje, Zanzibar, in collaboration with the Asma Mwinyi Foundation, based in Zanzibar.
In an exclusive interview with The Respondent, our long-time supermodel Miriam Odemba, the founder and driving force behind the foundation, shared her insights with our senior writer Charles Mkoka. The conversation took place online, as Miriam currently resides in Paris, France.
We’re thrilled to have this session with you, Miriam. Congratulations on your incredible achievements. Your foundation focuses significantly on supporting girls without any profit motive. Why is that?
Girls have been facing various challenges in society for a long time, despite the existence of guiding laws. Issues like sexual harassment, gender-based violence, and others have been on the rise, causing many girls to lose hope and abandon their dreams. Many are hindered from achieving their educational and professional goals, even their talents, and that’s why our foundation is focused on creating a conducive environment for girls before they even encounter such challenges in society. I, Miriam Odemba, recognized the urgent need to empower girls so they can succeed and achieve their dreams. It’s not necessary to wait for the government to do everything for girls. As a proud Tanzanian, I’m using my patriotism to assist the government by creating opportunities for girls to study, plan, and achieve their dreams.
Girls and women in leadership roles have often been doubted by society. How does your foundation address this?
Women and girls have traditionally been seen as unfit for leadership roles. Many still believe that leadership isn’t meant for women. Thankfully, we have leaders like President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who has proven that women can lead. She, along with others, has begun to challenge the stereotype that women cannot make sound decisions when entrusted with responsibility. I have held this belief for many years, and since the foundation’s inception in 2019, we’ve been working hard to change this mindset.
You've enjoyed international recognition as a supermodel. How does this experience inspire your work with young girls?
I reached global success in modeling because key people believed in me, and I didn’t take that lightly. I worked hard to achieve what I have today. Now, it’s my turn to help other girls gain confidence in their respective fields.
I was supported as a young girl, and that help has brought me this far in the fashion industry. Likewise, we, as Tanzanians, must create opportunities for our girls across various sectors so they can reach their goals.
What are your aspirations for society, particularly in the next few years?
First, I want to see Tanzanian girls, and African girls in general, taking bold steps towards success, both in terms of personal development and professional growth. I want to see them overcome fear and hesitation and become confident decision-makers. As well, I want to help improve the health and well-being of Tanzanian girls, especially concerning menstrual health management and self-awareness. Girls need to understand themselves in terms of dressing, ethics, and good behavior. A woman’s respect begins with self-awareness and respecting others. Listening to others and being heard comes from a place of self-knowledge.
Good health is not just physical but also mental. That’s why educating young people early on about comprehensive health matters is vital. As we progress, I believe that by 2050, girls will have the freedom, wisdom, and understanding to make sound decisions, while also prioritizing cleanliness and dignity.
Do you believe girls can excel in diverse careers?
Absolutely. Girls need to have confidence. In the past, it was difficult to see girls or women in certain careers because society considered them "male jobs." Today, we have female pilots, engineers, doctors, teachers, and even international models like myself. I've been fortunate to sign a few talented individuals under my label.
Do you own a modeling label?
Yes, I own Miriam Odemba Model Management, where we have some of Tanzania's top models excelling in places like South Africa and Nigeria, among other parts of the world. We’re also open to accepting new talent every year. I want to extend a special opportunity to any young person who wants a helping hand in modeling and fashion. I’m ready to support them in growing and achieving their highest goals. I was helped when I was young, and it’s only right that I pass on that support to others. A Tanzanian girl must have self-confidence, be bold in various industries, and, when she grows up, become a strong, disciplined individual who respects others. Avoiding negative influences will not only make society a better place but will also increase life expectancy and overall happiness.
"We already have strong role models in leadership positions who are inspiring young girls to study hard and work diligently. We have leaders like President Samia Suluhu, Dr. Tulia Ackson (Speaker of the National Assembly), and many successful ministers and key figures across sectors like Jenista Mhagama, Ummy Mwalimu, and others. Their success is proof that when you trust and empower a young girl, she can achieve greatness." "On the international stage, we have even more female leaders... so many. It’s a very positive sign for girls today."