Zaituni Njovu: Leading Women’s Digital Rights in Tanzania

Rising Woman 2025: Zaituni Njovu Bridges the Gender Gap in Tech with Zaina Foundation

Dar es Salaam, February 27, 2025 – Zaituni Njovu, the Executive Director of the Zaina Foundation, has been dedicated to addressing the gender disparity in the tech sector, a challenge that inspired her to launch the foundation. Her commitment to empowering women in the digital world is rooted in her concern over issues such as cyberbullying, harassment, and the underrepresentation of women in tech spaces.

Founded in 2017, the Zaina Foundation’s mission is to advance digital rights for women and promote their inclusion in the ever-expanding digital sphere. "Zaina Foundation is a non-governmental organization based in Tanzania focused on advocating for the digital rights of women and ensuring they have equal access to technology," she shared.

Reflecting on her journey, Njovu explained how her early years in Tanga, a coastal city in northern Tanzania, shaped her worldview. "Growing up surrounded by the beauty of Tanga, I moved to Arusha for higher education, where I began noticing the stark challenges women face in the tech world. I saw how many women, especially in Tanzania, were being left behind in terms of technology access and usage. This digital divide, combined with the dangers of online harassment and disinformation, sparked my desire to act," she said.

As an advocate for women's digital rights, Njovu's goal has always been to ensure that women can use technology not only to close the gender gap but also to improve their lives safely and productively. "Empowering women with technology goes beyond narrowing the digital divide; it’s about enabling them to use it effectively and securely. Our work focuses on providing education, advocacy, and resources, particularly for women in rural areas, to help them harness technology's power," she added.

Her inspiration stems from both local and global examples of women breaking barriers in various fields, including technology. She firmly believes that learning from the experiences of successful women is key to making progress. "I constantly seek opportunities to grow by attending conferences, reading, and connecting with peers worldwide. This drive for continual improvement motivates me every day," Njovu stated.

The core of her passion lies in empowering women, which she believes has ripple effects that strengthen entire communities. "The progress we have made at Zaina Foundation, particularly in increasing women's awareness and safety online, fuels my determination," she remarked. "It's inspiring to see more women becoming confident in using technology for personal growth, education, and business."

Among the foundation's notable achievements is its contribution to shaping Tanzania’s legal landscape. "The introduction of the Personal Data Protection Act is a monumental milestone in protecting individuals’ data and safeguarding women’s digital rights," Njovu explained. "Seeing such legal protections gives me confidence that our efforts are making a tangible difference."

However, Njovu’s journey has not been without its challenges. One significant obstacle is the lack of policies addressing emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI). "As technology evolves rapidly, it’s essential for governments and organizations to adopt policies that guide the ethical use of AI, ensuring that they promote gender equality," she stressed.

Cultural barriers, especially in rural parts of Tanzania, also pose a significant challenge. "In many rural areas, societal pressures discourage women from using technology or pursuing careers in tech," Njovu shared. "We are working hard to change these mindsets, helping women realize that technology can be a tool for personal and community development."

Despite these hurdles, Njovu remains unwavering in her commitment to breaking barriers through education, advocacy, and building partnerships. She advises other women pursuing similar goals to stay resilient, continue learning, and surround themselves with supportive mentors and collaborators. "Financial independence is also key—it gives women the freedom to make decisions and follow their passions without being constrained by financial limitations," she emphasized.

Looking ahead, Njovu aims for the Zaina Foundation to become a global voice in advocating for digital rights, particularly for women and marginalized groups. "We want to ensure that women everywhere have the knowledge, resources, and protections needed to navigate the digital world safely and confidently," she said.

Njovu also draws motivation from her mother’s resilience, strength, and commitment to community, which has been a constant source of inspiration throughout her career.