Since 2020, WEZA has been creating safe, inclusive spaces where girls in Zanzibar can develop, lead, and thrive.
In Zanzibar, many girls face barriers to health education, equal opportunities, and participation in sport and play. WEZA creates safe, inclusive environments where girls can develop physically, emotionally, and socially — growing with confidence, dignity, and joy.
Through football and Purposeful Play, girls build life skills, learn about their bodies and rights, strengthen their mental wellbeing, and develop the confidence to speak up, lead, and participate fully in their communities.
Our programmes are inclusive and welcome girls of all abilities.
WEZA was founded in 2020 with a simple but powerful belief: every girl deserves the chance to play, learn, and thrive. What started as a vision to bring football and life skills education to girls in Zanzibar has grown into a movement — creating safe spaces, training coaches, and building pathways for girls of all abilities to reach their potential.
We envision a future where every girl, of every ability, grows up with dignity and equal opportunity — equipped to shape her own future and contribute to a just, healthy, and inclusive society.
WEZA is proud to be an official partner organisation of the UN Football for the Goals initiative, aligning our work with the global movement to use football as a tool for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Our programmes are grounded in a child-rights-based approach, aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Petra Karume is the Founder and Executive Director of WEZA, leading the organisation's vision, strategy, and partnerships since 2020. She drives the development and growth of WEZA's football and Purposeful Play programmes, building inclusive pathways for girls to access sport, develop life skills, and shape their own futures.
Aisha Karume is WEZA's Purposeful Play Programme Lead, bringing over 15 years of experience in community health. She leads the design and delivery of sessions that integrate health education and life skills through Purposeful Play and football, helping girls grow with confidence.
Dalila Jaffar Mtwana is WEZA's Football & Purposeful Play Head Coach, leading inclusive football training and mentoring coaches across programmes. A former FIFA referee and specialist in inclusive sport, she is also a sign language interpreter, helping ensure that girls with hearing impairments can fully participate.