FLORA MYAMBA

FLORA MYAMBA
TANZANIA

As an undergraduate student, Flora Myamba had the opportunity to work for the University of Dar Es Salaam on research about women empowerment and the use of contraceptives. This study exposed her to many women who were victimized by their husbands and by the general cultural traditions within Tanzania. The study documented severe forms of abuse, inferiority, lack of educational opportunities, non-involvement in decision making both domestically and within the broader society. “Ever since, I realized that those women need some people like me with exposure and education to give them knowledge, consciousness, help in seeking practical solutions to their problems.”

Flora was selected to participate in a highly competitive conference under The East African Uongozi Association. The goal of the association is to prepare good future leaders. “The conference ignited in me the desire to accept the challenge of leadership in peacemaking and problem solving.” As a member of this association, she was offered an internship with an NGO, “Mwalimu Nycrere Foundation,” which works to promote peace, unity and people-centered development, in Tanzania. Later she was hired and contintues to be an employee at this foundation.

In preparing her doctoral dissertation, Flora was among the 65 women out of 957 applicants selected to be granted the prestigious American Association of University Women 2007-2008 Dissertation Grant. This generous award is to facilitate the success of her ongoing research project titled: “Domestic violence rights movements in Tanzania with a comparative analysis of similar movements in India, Italy, England and the USA.” She has already completed the field data collection in Tanzania.

Vision: Promoting Women’s Rights and Preventing Domestic Violence

Flora envisions developing a research and advocacy-based NGO for identifying the needs, and educating Tanzanian women about their rights and the myths of culture that subject them to vulnerability and victimization. “I hope to promote and draw public attention to women’s needs and thereby assist in developing “best practices” to acquire these rights. My long-term goal is to be involved in the movement to curb domestic violence in Tanzania and internationally.”