Emelda champions empowerment with ‘Finding My Voice’ memoir

It is easy to lose sight of what truly drives us in a world where success is often measured by external factors such as money and fame.

However, beneath every achievement lies a steadfast passion—a deep love that propels us forward, guiding our every move, even amidst the toughest challenges.

In the bustling literary world, Ms Emelda Mwamanga reaffirms this through her unwavering love for what she does in her craft, even in the face of challenges that could derail and distract.

As the CEO of Relim Company Limited, a human resources and logistic consulting firm in Dar es Salaam, she has committed her life to uplifting others.

She also serves as the CEO of The East Africa Bang Media House, a testament to her commitment to sharing inspiring stories of women overcoming adversity.

Her memoir, ‘Finding My Voice’, which was released in March 2024, serves as a beacon of empowerment for women worldwide but also underscores her remarkable journey to this point.

Ms Emelda's influence transcends borders, a fact evident since her childhood when she discovered her passion for writing short stories at the age of eight.

According to her, through the influence of Indian cinemas, she started crafting tales set in Tanzania, showcasing a blend of cinematic influence and imagination.

“Even amidst the demands of homework, I found solace in penning down plots inspired by movies, inventing characters, and creating worlds on paper.

“Transitioning this passion into a career wasn't straightforward. Yet, here I am, twenty years after the inception of my magazine in April 2004, still immersed in what feels like a hobby rather than a job,” she explains.

In 2010, she partnered with Vital Voices, a US women's empowerment non-profit co-founded by Hillary Clinton, to host the first-ever Dare to Dream Mentorship Walk event in Tanzania.

Apart from that, she has also participated in prestigious leadership and business mentoring programmes, including the US State Department Fortune Most Powerful Women and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women initiatives.

Ms Emelda's remarkable contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the Africa Most Influential Woman in Business and Governance award and nominations for international recognition such as the TIAW World of Difference Award in Washington, DC.

Reflecting on her journey, Ms Emelda emphasises the perseverance, self-belief, and unwavering love for her craft that have propelled her forward.

“When faced with challenges, I return to my roots, reconnecting with my passion and vision to navigate through tough times,” she explains.

Her ambition propelled her to launch Bang Magazine in 2004 and, two decades later, publish her memoir, ‘Finding My Voice’.

Through Ms Emelda's nonfiction stories about her world, she shares stories of resilience, forgiveness, and self-discovery.

It is more than a memoir; it’s a testament to the power of perseverance and faith.

She goes through her struggles, which include a turbulent marriage, divorce, and custody battle, illustrating the strength found in forgiveness and faith.

Yet, through it all, she found strength in forgiveness and faith, ultimately rebuilding her life and relationships.

"Finding My Voice" is not just a book; it's a roadmap for women to reclaim their voices and pursue their dreams.

She encourages women to overcome challenges and reconnect with their inner strength and resilience.

One poignant anecdote from Ms Emelda's book revolves around a millipede with a hundred feet, seeking guidance from its mother on which foot to start moving forward with.

The mother's response, ‘Any,’ serves as a poignant metaphor for Emelda's message: the importance of taking that first step towards finding one's voice and purpose.

Discussing women’s leadership in the corporate world, she highlights the unique perspectives and qualities women bring to leadership roles.

She emphasises the importance of empathy, emotional intelligence, and inclusivity in fostering collaborative work environments and driving organisational growth.

“This diversity of thought can lead to more innovative and inclusive strategies within organizations. Women often demonstrate higher levels of empathy and emotional intelligence, which are valuable qualities in leadership. They can effectively understand and respond to the needs and emotions of their team members, fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment,” she says.

Ms Emelda further added that these qualities enable women to navigate complex business environments, overcome obstacles, and drive organisational growth and transformation.

“While leadership effectiveness is not determined solely by gender, women bring a diverse set of skills, perspectives, and qualities that contribute to their success as leaders in the corporate world,” she shares.

Through this journey of leadership, she emphasises that those who wish to grow and become successful in business and as leaders need to have mentoring.

“For me, I have business mentors and spiritual mentors, and I do have other mentors who mentor me in other things like parenting, relationships, etc.,” she shares.

Through her platform, Emelda aims to inspire and empower women worldwide, believing in their ability to effect positive change in society.

According to that, she aspires to inspire women entrepreneurs, especially those aiming to lead media firms.

“My advice echoes my journey: work diligently, stay persistent, nurture your passion, and embrace continuous learning. Seek role models, stay innovative, and never falter in pursuing what you love. In essence, success stems from merging passion with work, staying resilient, and carving a path fuelled by dedication and love,” she explains.

Emelda Mwamanga's story is one of courage, resilience, and unwavering determination.

As she shares her journey through "Finding My Voice," she invites readers to join her on a path of self-discovery, empowerment, and hope.