she is among the most inspirational women in Tanzania All the time

Prof. Esther Mwaikambo

Prof. Esther Daniel Mwaikambo, Profesor of Paediatrics and Child Health and former Vice Chancellor of Hubert Kairuki Memorial University.

Mwaikambo said her dream for more women to become doctors has become a reality in Tanzania, where men once dominated the profession. Inspired by her mother who fell ill and died during Mwaikambo’s childhood, she went on to become the first female doctor in her country in 1969. As she knocked down social barriers and paved the way for countless other women, she recalls it was difficult to gain respect.

“These people didn’t believe that I was a medical doctor. It was tough,” said Mwaikambo. She told her critics, “you don’t have to listen to me, but I’m here to stay.”

Now 40 years later, she has kept her word. Mwaikambo is founder of the Medical Women Association of Tanzania, and leads a medical school at the first accredited private university in Tanzania, while inspiring young adults to pursue a career in medicine.  Today, 30 percent of Kairuki’s medical school is made up of women, what she calls substantial growth over the years.

“Women were very afraid to join medical school,” said Mwaikambo. “But I told them: if I can do it, you can do it