TANZANIANS have been urged to remember and honour the enduring legacy of Bibi Titi Mohamed, whose pioneering struggles laid the groundwork for the significant presence of women and youth in leadership and decision-making roles across the country today.

The call was made by civil society leaders in Morogoro during the National Dialogue on Civic Engagement, facilitated by Youth Environmental Justice and Gender Equality (YOGE) and ONASTORIES early this week.

Philomena Mwalongo, Executive Director of YOGE, remembered Bibi Titi Mohamed as a "courageous leader" who created pathways for the engagement and inclusion of women, youth and marginalized groups in Tanzanian leadership.

Francis Wairura, representing ONASTORIES, emphasized the overdue need for Bibi Titi's legacy to receive its rightful recognition. He noted that her profound contributions to Tanganyika’s independence and inclusive leadership for women and youth have, for too long, remained underexplored.

"Today we remember Bibi Titi Mohamed, a courageous woman who led not only by title but rather by her stance," Wairura stated. "She broke silence and inspired women and youth to take steps even when it was dangerous to do so. Today we bring her story to the table not only for her memory but rather to inspire the current women and youth in leadership and advance inclusive leadership for women and youth in Tanzania."

Ramadhani Rashid, Chairman of traditional leaders in Morogoro, spoke during the dialogue, describing Bibi Titi Mohamed as a charismatic figure who defied societal norms to mobilize ordinary women in support of Tanganyika’s liberation struggles.

"Bibi Titi was very patriotic, and she loved her country and wanted real changes. She was very hardworking," he recounted. "Youth must learn; the past had its time and best practices. We now have a lot of women leaders who are doing well. These are the footsteps of Bibi Titi Mohamed. Whatever we see with women and young leaders in our country is a result of her steps."

Participants had the opportunity to view a documentary on Bibi Titi Mohamed's life and legacy, which aims to not only honour her contribution but also to further inspire the engagement of women and youth in leadership and decision-making positions throughout Tanzania.

The dialogue comes at a timely moment, following the recent inauguration of Tanzania's National Development Vision 2050. This ambitious vision calls for immediate action to align plans and policies with key strategic pillars, including governance, civic rights, and inclusivity. This focus aims to ensure the protection of civil liberties and inclusive leadership for women, youth, and marginalized groups, with the ultimate goal of transforming Tanzania into a high-income, inclusive and sustainable nation by 2050.