Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – March 13, 2025
Written by: Sandra Kiunsi and Gordon Temba
The air was electric at Slipway Hotel as a remarkable group of about 100 progressive professionals gathered for an evening of celebrating and empowering women in celebration of the International Women’s Month 2025. Accelerate HER: Fast-Tracking Women’s Success in Project Management, an event hosted by HEBO Consult in partnership with PMI Tanzania Chapter, was more than just a networking opportunity—it was a movement.
The evening was a testament to progress, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of leadership. Women from diverse backgrounds, industries, and experiences came together to share, learn, and, most importantly, take action. The conversations were not just inspiring; they were a call to arms, a push forward, a collective determination to break barriers and take up space in project management and leadership roles.
As attendees settled in, Ms. Bulla Boma Hekeno, Co-Founder and Director of HEBO Consult, took the stage. Her words resonated deeply with the room. She spoke not just of achievements, but of a shared mission—to propel more women into project leadership, to embrace learning, and to move forward with purpose.
“Out of hundreds of professionals HEBO has supported in upskilling earning global project management certifications such as the PMP®, more than half are women. This is not a coincidence—it is a shift, a movement, and a reflection of what happens when we create opportunities. But our work is far from over. Tonight is about embracing our stories, our challenges, and our successes, and using them to accelerate our careers and those of the women who will come after us.”
She was followed by PMI Tanzania Chapter President, Mr. Kheri Mbiro, who reinforced her message. He encouraged the women present to engage fully, to take ownership of their professional journeys, and to recognize the power they hold in shaping the future of project management.
The night was young, but the energy in the room was already soaring.
Stories That Inspire and Lessons That Transform
The evening unfolded with a Fireside Chat featuring Ms. Latifa Kapiligi from BRAC, whose story of transition from GMS to BRAC was a powerful reminder that career growth is not linear—it is about resilience, adaptability, and the courage to take risks. She spoke candidly about the challenges of stepping into new roles, of learning on the go, and of never allowing fear to dictate one’s career trajectory. This fireside chat was moderated by Ms. Angel Mgawe, PMI Tz – VP Professional Development.
From there, the panel discussion brought together three phenomenal women, each of whom had carved her own path in male-dominated industries. Maria Mhije (Vodacom), Kadambara Maita (Kollekta), and Faraja Kotta (Shule Direct), led by the ever-dynamic moderator, Jacquiline Mujulizi, delved into the nuances of leadership, visibility, and taking bold steps in one’s career.
As she set the stage, Jacquiline Mujulizi posed a thought-provoking statement that captured the essence of the evening:
“Nobody is coming to save you. If you want to move forward, if you want to succeed, you have to be bold enough to make the right moves. You have to decide that you belong in the spaces you aspire to be in.”
Her words served as a powerful anchor, reinforcing the need for women to take ownership of their careers, to actively seek out growth opportunities, and to push past self-doubt.
Maria Mhije shed light on Vodacom’s commitment to gender balance, where 48% of leadership positions are held by women. She didn’t just share statistics—she painted a picture of what corporate inclusivity should look like, and why women must step up to claim their rightful place.
“If you don’t take the opportunity, someone else will. Step out of your comfort zone, embrace challenges, and ask the questions that need to be asked. There is no growth in silence.”
The room was filled with nods of agreement, women recognizing that they, too, had sometimes hesitated, doubted, or played small.
Faraja Kotta’s message was equally powerful.
“Leadership is not about titles. It is about purpose. Know why you want to lead. Take up space. Make room for yourself at the table, and when you get there—pull another woman up with you.”
She reminded the audience that women in leadership should not be a rarity, that those who have made it must clear the path for others, and that mentorship is a responsibility, not just an option.
Kadambara Maita brought an air of boldness and conviction, reminding everyone that leadership is not about being liked—it is about being respected, knowledgeable, and unshakable in one’s expertise.
“Give young women opportunities to prove themselves. Be confident enough to own your craft, to know your value, and to be resilient in the face of resistance.”
The discussion was more than an exchange of ideas—it was a rallying cry for women to be more, to demand more, and to support each other in ways that lead to real, tangible success.
Navigating Leadership: Strength, Strategy, and Emotional Intelligence
As the conversation deepened, the discussion turned to the often-controversial topic of women and emotions in leadership. Are women too emotional to lead? The panel’s response was firm: emotional intelligence is a strength, not a weakness.
They discussed the importance of separating emotions from decision-making, finding strong sponsors within organizations, and setting boundaries between professional and personal spaces.
“We must redefine what strength looks like in leadership. Strength is knowing when to push forward, when to listen, when to be firm, and when to adjust. It is not about silencing emotions, but about managing them effectively.”
PMI Tanzania’s country manager, Ms. Hellen Achimpota took the opportunity to recommend “How Women Rise” by Sally Helgesen & Marshall Goldsmith, a book that offers twelve key lessons to help women break through barriers in leadership.
Taking Action: The Path Forward
Closing off the panel discussion and thanking the phenomenal speakers, Ms. Bulla Boma returned to the stage with a final challenge.
“Expand your network. Make use of platforms like these. Define your goals, your ‘why,’ and the impact you want to make. Then move with purpose. And most importantly—never stop learning. Equip yourself with the skills, the credentials, and the confidence to claim the leadership roles you deserve.”
It was a fitting transition into the exciting raffle draw, where two lucky winners received a brand-new PMBOK Guide 7 and project management workbooks courtesy of HEBO Consult. The announcement of an exclusive 10% discount for women enrolling into any of the 2025 certification training programs further cemented HEBO’s commitment to supporting women in their professional development journey.
As the night came to an end, HEBO Consult Director, Mr. Martin Hekeno, delivered a final message in his closing remarks;
“Mentorship matters. Sponsorship matters. And sometimes, the support we need will come from male allies, too. Seek them out. Partner with those who believe in you. But most importantly—believe in yourself first.”
His words left the room energized, motivated, and ready to take the next step.
The Journey Continues…
This was not just an event. It was a movement. It was a reminder that progress is made when women come together, when they learn from each other, and when they take deliberate action toward their goals.
The conversations don’t end here. The lessons don’t stop tonight. It’s time to take action.
- Invest in your professional growth—earn globally recognized credentials.
- Explore HEBO’s certification programs: www.hebogroup.com
- Book a free consultation: https://hebogroup.com/free-consultation/
Together, we are not just accelerating HER success. We are accelerating OUR success.
