**What does it mean to be unstoppable?**
Marta, the famous Brazilian football player who is widely considered the greatest female football player of all time, once indicated that when she started playing, she did not have a female idol. But now, people stop her and the team and tell them, “My daughter wants to be just like you.” This is a prominent example of the impact of one person as a female leader and how she has become a role model for what girls can achieve and become unstoppable.
Imagine if she had a role model. Things would have been easier for her.
Distinguished guests, esteemed panelists, and, most importantly, the unstoppable women in this room, good morning.
It is an immense privilege to stand before you today as the first female European Union Ambassador to Tanzania to take this stage. This moment is not just personal—it is a testament to the progress we are making in breaking barriers and advancing gender equality.
_So, what does it mean to be unstoppable?_
It means pushing forward despite challenges, claiming your space, and leading boldly. It means breaking the glass ceiling, not just for yourself but for the countless women who will come after you.
Across Tanzania, we see inspiring examples of unstoppable women—leaders in politics, science, entrepreneurship, and the arts:
Women like H.E. President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Speaker Tulia Ackson, who have transformed policy to make governance more gender-inclusive and who are championing women to thrive in all professional areas.
Scientists like \[Example: A Tanzanian woman in biology or health\], whose work is saving lives and shaping the future of healthcare.
Esther, who is here, is a living example of women at the top of the banking sector.
Entrepreneurs who have built thriving businesses against all odds, creating jobs and opportunities.
Artists like Frida Amani, who challenge stereotypes and inspire a new generation to dream bigger and speak loudly about injustices.
These women did not wait for permission to lead. They claimed their place. And today, we must ensure that every woman and girl has the opportunity to do the same.
**The Challenges Women Face**
Despite these inspiring successes, we know that many barriers still stand in the way:
Women often hesitate too much before even starting.
Not all women have a supportive environment or network.
Women remain underrepresented in leadership roles.
Access to finance is a major hurdle for female entrepreneurs.
A lack of mentorship and coaching leaves many talented women without the support they need to rise.
These challenges are real. But together, we can dismantle them.
On a personal note, has my journey always been easy? No. But I believe that every woman, no matter where she comes from, has the potential to be unstoppable. When given the opportunity, women can rise to lead in every field—from politics to science, from entrepreneurship to the arts. What makes a woman unstoppable is not just talent but also determination, resilience, and, of course, access to opportunities.
**The EU’s Commitment: Breaking the Glass Ceiling**
The European Union, in partnership with the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups, has launched the Gender Transformative Action: Breaking the Glass Ceiling program, a bold step toward systemic change. We have committed 90 million euros over six years to support policies and an enabling environment that protects, responds to, and accelerates women's rights. This initiative enhances access to economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs, strengthens women's leadership and political participation, and, last but not least, challenges social norms that limit women’s advancement.
**Inspire to Lead: Showcasing Unstoppable Women**
One of the most powerful ways to drive change is by showcasing success. That is why the Inspire to Lead campaign is so important.
This campaign highlights remarkable Tanzanian women who have become leaders in their fields—from politics to biology, from entrepreneurship to the arts. Their stories serve as proof that when women are given opportunities, they thrive, they lead, and they transform entire communities.
But change does not happen alone. It requires all of us—governments, businesses, individuals, and civil society—to actively create spaces where women can rise.
**The Way Forward: Mentorship, Leadership, and Access to Finance**
If we are truly committed to seeing more unstoppable women in leadership, we must take three key actions:
**Mentorship and Coaching**
We must not leave talent and ambition undiscovered and restrained.
Every successful woman here has a responsibility to mentor another. Let us commit to lifting as we climb.
The Inspire to Lead campaign has already proven how examples can transform lives—let’s build on that momentum and share it.
**Expanding Leadership Opportunities**
We need institutions—both public and private—to commit to gender-balanced leadership.
Women must not only be invited to the table, but they must also be heard, respected, and given decision-making power.
**Unlocking Access to Finance**
Financial institutions must design funding solutions tailored for women entrepreneurs.
Women-led businesses need investment, training, and networks to scale and compete on a global level.
**A Call to Action**
To every woman in this room:
You are here today because you are unstoppable. You have already defied the odds. But our mission does not stop with us. We must ensure that the next generation of women finds an even stronger, more inclusive world waiting for them.
Let us mentor, uplift, and advocate for one another. Let us break the glass ceiling once and for all.
Dream big, stand tall, and never stop pushing forward. The world needs your leadership. Together, let us create a future where every woman and girl has the chance to be truly unstoppable.
The world needs more women leaders, more women innovators, and more women decision-makers. And together, we can make it happen.
Thank you.