Lifting Others Through Leadership

“Leadership is selfless. It’s about lifting others up.” That’s the leadership philosophy that has guided Professor Makene’s journey. This International Women’s Day, we spotlight her reflections on mentorship, research and investing in women and girls.

Her journey began during her graduate studies in sociology, where she worked at a university women’s center. There, she witnessed a leadership style that would shape her career, women leaders who actively mentored others, shared opportunities and ensured younger scholars could succeed. One mentor in particular left a lasting impression. During her PhD, her advisor didn’t just supervise her research, she prepared her for the realities of professional life. She encouraged her to publish, attend conferences, practice interviews and even negotiate job offers. At one point, when invited to contribute to research, her advisor encouraged Professor Makene to take the lead and publish as first author. That moment taught her something powerful: True leadership is about creating opportunities for others to grow. Today, that same philosophy shapes how she leads research teams and institutions. Throughout her career, she has prioritized three things: mentorship, knowledge sharing and building the capacity of others.

When she returned to Tanzania to lead research initiatives, she ensured junior researchers had opportunities to lead projects, publish work and grow into leadership roles themselves. And the impact has been clear, many of those she mentored have advanced in their careers, pursued PhDs or took on leadership roles of their own. But Professor Makene emphasizes that mentorship is not just about giving, it also fuels personal growth. Today, Professor Makene mentors young women (and men) researchers across Africa, from Tanzania to Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Ghana, helping them navigate the transition from academic training into professional careers. Her work also highlights a critical issue that women remain underrepresented in research and policy spaces. Yet their perspectives are essential to shaping inclusive policies and development solutions.

Professor Makene believes one investment is critical: Investing in women and girls. Education, economic empowerment and mentorship equip women not only to transform their own lives but also to strengthen families, communities and future generations. For Tanzania’s Vision 2050, Professor Makene commits to create opportunities and support so that women and girls gain the tools to shape their destiny, support their families and build the nation.

Her advice to young women aspiring to leadership is simple but powerful: Get your education. Be consistent. Find mentors. Because behind every strong leader is often someone who once believed in them first.

Leading with Integrity

For Aldegunda Ngowi, leadership is grounded in one value above all: integrity.

Her professional journey began at the University of Dar es Salaam, where she studied Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting. From early in her career, Aldegunda knew she wanted to work in smaller organizations where teams are closely connected and knowledge flows easily between colleagues. She believes such environments encourage learning, collaboration and professional growth.

Through continuous professional development, including ACCA certification and a Master of Science in Economics and Finance for Development, Aldegunda steadily advanced into leadership before eventually becoming Head of the Finance and Administration Department at ESRF. Today, she leads efforts to strengthen the organization’s financial systems, ensuring transparent financial management, accountability and responsible use of resources.

But for Aldegunda, leadership is not only about managing systems, it is about opening doors for others.

“Carry integrity wherever you go.”

She believes integrity, both professional and personal, has been the foundation of her leadership journey and the reason she has earned the trust required to lead.

As Tanzania moves toward Vision 2050, Aldegunda pledges to continue building institutions that operate with transparency and trust while creating inclusive opportunities for others to grow.

Believing in Your Potential

Vivian Kazi leads the Strategic Research and Publications department at ESRF, guiding a team of researchers committed to generating knowledge that supports Tanzania’s social and economic development. But her journey into leadership wasn’t something she had always imagined for herself.

Vivian first joined ESRF as a consultant. Two years later, when her supervisor, then Head of Department was preparing to leave the organization, he nominated her to take over the role. The recommendation surprised her. At the time, Vivian admits she questioned whether she truly had the capacity to lead a department. Her supervisor, however, saw something she had not yet fully recognized in herself: potential.

Looking back, Vivian says that moment taught her an important lesson about leadership and growth. Sometimes others can see our strengths before we see them ourselves. She emphasizes that building trust with supervisors and colleagues is key, delivering consistently, managing yourself well and demonstrating reliability can open doors to opportunities that may initially seem beyond your reach.

Today, Vivian carries that lesson forward in her own leadership. Her message to women and girls is clear: believe in yourself and in your abilities at all costs. She also encourages women and girls to be ambitious for their own growth, especially their professional growth, even while balancing roles as wives or mothers. Continuous development, learning and investing in one’s career are essential.

As Tanzania works toward Vision 2050, Vivian pledges to give back through mentorship, sharing her knowledge and experience so that more women and girls gain the confidence to grow, lead and achieve their full potential.