Zuhura Ahmad (she/her)

How are you using education to build more sustainable and equitable communities? Tell us about your EE work and impact.

I am using education to build more sustainable and equitable communities by empowering youth and women leaders to engage in environmental stewardship and climate action. As the Head of Programs at The Women in Recycling Foundation, I lead initiatives that integrate women-responsive approaches in circular economy practices. Our programs have empowered over 500 women in waste management and recycling, fostering sustainable practices at the local community level in Tanzania. Through my work with Youth4Nature, I focus on storytelling and capacity building, amplifying the voices and efforts of young environmental advocates. As a Youth4Nature Global Ambassador, I facilitate ground-up activation in Tanzania, helping youth and women contribute meaningfully to biodiversity conservation and climate action. 

My new venture, SHE SHAPES NATURE, employs digital storytelling and in-person convening to support and highlight the work of women and girls in Tanzania’s nature-based economy, including seaweed farming and mangrove restoration. This initiative, supported by Youth4Nature, enhances the visibility and impact of women in environmental sustainability. Additionally, I have co-organized capacity-building initiatives with the Global Youth Biodiversity Network, empowering over 1,000 youth and women to engage in biodiversity policy and conservation efforts. Through these educational endeavors, I am driving transformative change and fostering more sustainable, equitable communities.

Learn more about The Women in Recycling Foundation and Youth4Nature.

Tell us about your journey to where you are today. What inspired you? What has your path been like?

My journey to where I am today has been driven by a deep passion for environmental conservation and a commitment to empowering marginalized communities. Growing up in Tanzania, I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by women and youth in accessing opportunities and resources for sustainable development. This inspired me to pursue a career where I could make a tangible impact.

My path began with my involvement in the Global Youth Biodiversity Network, where I contributed to capacity-building initiatives and policy advocacy for biodiversity conservation. This experience ignited my dedication to environmental education and empowerment. As the Head of Programs at The Women in Recycling Foundation, I have been able to integrate gender-responsive approaches into circular economy practices, supporting over 500 women in waste management and recycling.

A pivotal moment in my journey was becoming a Youth4Nature Global Ambassador, where I focus on storytelling and regional activism. This role allowed me to launch SHE SHAPES NATURE, an initiative that highlights and supports the work of women in Tanzania’s nature-based economy, from seaweed farming to mangrove restoration.

Throughout my journey, I have been inspired by the resilience and creativity of the communities I work with. Their stories and successes fuel my commitment to creating a more sustainable and equitable world.

How can people learn more about or support your work?

People can learn more about and support my work through various avenues. To start, visiting the websites of the organizations I am involved with can provide a comprehensive understanding of our missions and initiatives. At The Women in Recycling Foundation, we focus on integrating women-responsive approaches into circular economy practices, empowering over 500 women in waste management and recycling. You can learn more and support our efforts by visiting The Women in Recycling Foundation.

As a Youth4Nature Global Ambassador, I engage in storytelling and regional activism to amplify the voices of young environmental advocates. Our work includes capacity building, policy advocacy, and grassroots activism. You can explore our initiatives and contribute to our mission by visiting Youth4Nature.

Additionally, my venture SHE SHAPES NATURE ( https://www.youth4nature.org/blog/she-shapes-nature-launch-oct-23  ) supports women in Tanzania’s nature-based economy through digital storytelling and community engagement. This project highlights the contributions of women in seaweed farming and mangrove restoration, among other areas. Support and learn more about this initiative through Youth4Nature’s platform.

Following these organizations on social media, subscribing to their newsletters, and participating in their events are great ways to stay informed and get involved. Your support can drive transformative change and foster sustainable, equitable communities.

A Little More About Me

What advice would you give to the next generation of leaders?

To the next generation of leaders, kindly stay committed to your vision, embrace collaboration, and empower others to amplify your impact on environmental and social issues.

What (or who) keeps you hopeful for the future?

The resilience and creativity of the youth and women I work with inspire hope, as they continually demonstrate the potential for transformative change.

What makes you most excited to be an EE30U30 awardee?

Being an EE30U30 awardee excites me because it highlights the impactful work being done and provides a platform to inspire and mobilize more young leaders.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

The ability to heal the environment instantly.