International Women's Day at AKU in Tanzania offered more than a celebration; it was a moment for reflection and inner strength. Under the theme "For ALL Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment," the campus became a canvas painted with moments of wellness, a sanctuary where students and faculty together with Jubilee Insurance and Aga Khan Education Services, gathered to nurture their minds and bodies.
Forget the usual formalities. This was a day crafted with intention, a tapestry woven with threads of mindful experiences. The day began with a specially curated menu of healthy treats that exhibited the importance of nourishing the body. Afterwards, Miss Latifa Joshi from Aga Khan School led a yoga session that transcended mere exercise. It was a journey into the self, a dance of balance and awareness, leaving participants with a quiet sense of peace and renewed energy.
Each attendee received a small, yet powerful token: a key holder etched with wellness affirmations, a daily reminder to prioritize self-care amidst life's busy rhythm. Representatives from Jubilee Insurance and Miss Rickyo Kiwia from AKU illuminated the path to healthy eating, their words planting seeds of mindful nourishment. The campus transformed into a living journal, with a graffiti wall where personal health goals bloomed in vibrant colours, and "Dear Future Me" letters, sealed with hopes and dreams, ready to be opened in years to come.
"Good health is an integral part of our empowerment as women," said Dr Mweru Mwingi, faculty at the Institute for Educational Development, East Africa (IED, EA), and Gender Desk Coordinator. "As we navigate the complexities of our lives, we must remember that our well-being is not a luxury, but a necessity."
The yoga session became a moment of profound introspection. "It was more than just physical movement," shared Rose Iminza, Coordinator, Centre for Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning (CELL). "It was an opportunity to delve into my personal goals and rediscover my self-worth. The wellness offers from Jubilee Insurance were truly inspiring, and yoga now feels like a vital part of my healthcare. Writing to my future self has ignited a spark of positivity, a commitment to nurturing a better version of myself."
This celebration a gentle reminder that wellness is not a destination, but a journey—a journey that empowers women at every stage of their lives.
