Judith Kitinga fights gender violence, empowers youth, and champions education, equality, and reproductive rights in Tanzania.
Judith Kitinga’s journey into activism began in 2017 while conducting research at Songea Regional Referral Hospital. She was studying Health System Management at Mzumbe University at the time, but the real education came from her experiences in Tanzania’s rural communities. She confronted the harsh realities of gender-based violence, early child marriage, and limited access to sexual health education, particularly in areas like the Namtumbo district. Instead of walking away, she sought ways to intervene.
From the outset, Kitinga focused on peer-to-peer training and community awareness. She educated young people about gender equality, family planning, and sexual rights—topics often avoided in traditional Tanzanian settings. Over the years, she has become one of the most vocal youth gender activists in the country, known for her sharp focus on data-driven advocacy and her belief in youth-led change.
By 2018, her voice had reached international platforms. She represented Tanzanian children and youth at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York, where she highlighted gender inequality and called for youth-friendly policies. Her global work has been supported by strong grassroots engagement, particularly through her role as one of Tanzania’s 20 Youth Accountability Advocates under Restless Development.
In this capacity, the gender advocate worked on Tutimize Ahadi, a national project supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, aimed at addressing gender-based violence, violence against children, and family planning commitments. She trained young people to hold leaders accountable and ensured rural communities received accessible, practical education on reproductive health.
Her work also extends to youth participation in national development planning. Kitinga has consistently pushed for young people to be included in policy discussions, not as tokens, but as vital contributors. She promotes data accountability and youth-friendly approaches, advocating for structural reforms in how governments tackle gender issues.
Furthermore, Kitinga is a campaign builder. One of her most impactful initiatives is 100 Tanzania Sheroes, a campaign that profiles 100 Tanzanian women across various sectors. The aim is to provide girls with relatable role models, such as women in law, health, technology, education, and business.
Judith Kintinga also co-founded KilimoUza, a digital platform supporting local farmers by connecting them to markets, which reflects her broader interest in economic development and sustainability. She serves on the board of the Kilimanjaro Project, focusing on environmental conservation, and sits on the Africa Youth Advisory Board under the African Leadership Institute.
Kitinga has been recognised as one of Tanzania’s Most Influential Young People, and she currently serves as a Global Goals Champion with the United Nations Tanzania.
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