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March 15, 2025 | Ubungo Plaza, Dar es Salaam The evening of March 15, 2025, was one filled with color, laughter, and emotion at Ubungo Plaza. The air was charged with excitement as more than 600 people gathered to celebrate the strength and success of Tanzania's everyday heroines the Mama Lishe (Women Food Vendors).
Hosted by the Tanzania Communities Rise Foundation (TCRF), the Mama Lishe Gala – Season Two was not just an event; it was a movement of hope, resilience, and transformation.
For years, many of these women have worked long hours under the sun, cooking and serving food to sustain their families and communities. On this day, they were not behind the stove—they were in the spotlight, honored and empowered for the vital role they play in building Tanzania's economy. A total of 300 Mama Lishe received start-up packages filled with essential supplies — rice, beans, sugar, flour, cooking oil, and salt to strengthen their businesses and boost their income. The joy on their faces told the story of renewed dreams and second chances. These simple items carried deep meaning: independence, stability, and the promise of a better tomorrow.
One of the most touching moments of the evening was the recognition of Bucha Catering Group, a women-led team that received initial capital from TCRF in June 2024. This time, they were awarded gas cylinders to expand their catering operations — a powerful symbol of progress and sustainability. Their success is living proof that when women are supported, entire communities thrive.
As the sun set, the hall transformed into a space of unity and love. More than 600 guests shared a warm iftar and dinner, breaking bread together during the holy seasons of Ramadhan and Lent. It was a moment of pure togetherness — faith, culture, and compassion blending beautifully under one roof.
The Gala was graced by Mr. Silas Daudi, Acting Assistant Director for Skills Development from the Prime Minister's Office, who served as Guest of Honour, and Hon. Lazaro Twange, District Commissioner of Ubungo, represented through his delegate. Their support reflected the growing recognition of Mama Lishe as key players in the country's economic development. TCRF extends its heartfelt appreciation to all who made this celebration possible — NMB Bank, Asas Group, Metro Life Assurance, Coca-Cola, Mo Dewji Foundation, and UTT AMIS — for standing with women and empowering dreams that matter.
The Mama Lishe Gala is more than an annual event; it is a story of courage, change, and collective rise.
Every smile, every plate of food shared, and every seed of support planted is shaping a brighter, more inclusive Tanzania — one woman at a time.
Looking ahead, TCRF remains committed to expanding the reach of this transformative program. The success of Season Two demonstrates the power of partnership and community support in creating lasting change. With continued collaboration from government, private sector partners, and philanthropic organizations, the foundation aims to scale these efforts to reach even more women across Tanzania's regions, creating a nationwide network of empowered female entrepreneurs who are building prosperous futures for themselves and their families.
The vision for future seasons is ambitious yet achievable: to create a sustainable ecosystem where women food vendors not only thrive economically but also become mentors and leaders in their communities, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and contributing to Tanzania's economic growth and social development.