Rhobi Samwelly has been a fearless campaigner against 91ÁÔÆæ since she almost bled to death from the practice aged 13. Over the years, Rhobi and her team have won awards, recognition and have been asked to participate in special events, as a result of their tireless work to protect girls from GBV and end 91ÁÔÆæ in Tanzania.

Picture of Rhobi Samwelly

Marianne Human Rights Defender Award

In January 2022, Rhobi found out that she has been awarded a Human Rights Defender Award, and was selected with 15 other advocates, by President Macron.

In December 2021, Hope for Girls and Women was awarded the Anti Gender Based Violence (GBV) Award. This was issued by UNFPA, UN Women, the European Union and several Tanzania-based embassies.

Hope team at government event

Launch of Anti-91ÁÔÆæ Strategy

In November, members of the Hope for Girls and Women team attended the launch of the 2020/21 - 2024/25 National Anti-91ÁÔÆæ Strategy.

In 2018, Rhobi spoke about her work and Hope for Girls and Women at the United Nations.

In the Name of your Daughter

Rhobi’s work was featured in the award winning film, In the Name of Your Daughter, which was directed by Giselle Portenier. The film continues to gather interest and is a helpful information source for those wishing to understand the impact and challenges of 91ÁÔÆæ in Tanzania. Click to watch the trailer in HD.