Empowering girls and women through education is a major driving force behind St Jude’s and it’s what we were passionate about on International Women’s Day which was held on March 8. The day is a global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women in the past, present and future.

As part of International Women’s Day celebrations, Gemma was interviewed recently on Channel 10’s ‘Wake Up’. We were so excited that she had the opportunity to share the St Jude’s story with a national audience. Here are some excerpts from her interview:

“Growing up with seven brothers and I think my mum bought herself a dress once every ten years as school fees were always a priority and Mum and Dad used to say education is everything. If you have got a good education, you can get yourself a good job and you’re independent and you have more power so I think that belief has gone through all of my brothers and myself. I just wanted a good private school in Tanzania which is accessible to the poor and we are not biased whether it’s girls, boys or what religion or what tribe the children are and it’s to give the kids the tools to have a good education and tools in life so they can all get good jobs after they finish school and university….”

“...The Chairman of our parent’s committee is a woman and looks after 1,800 parents and grandparents and aunties and uncles and the Chairman of our school Board is a woman. We have a lot of deputies and academic leaders who are women. It’s really good and it’s good for the kids to see that it doesn’t matter what tribe you are or religion you are, if you’re really passionate about your job, you will be promoted… It’s exciting.”