My name is STARA KESI BAKARI, a young Tanzanian female mechanical and marine engineer, passionate about empowering girls, mentoring the next generation, and leading with purpose. Since 2021, I have walked a transformative journey with the WOMESA Tanzania Chapter, whose sponsorship, mentorship, and belief in my potential have shaped every milestone of my career and leadership.

From being a determined student to becoming a graduate, speaker, mentor, and co-founder of a Princesses of the Sea initiative, I stand today as a product of what happens when young woman is supported, trusted, and given platforms to lead.

WOMESA Tanzania Chapter has been my foundation, shaping me to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical and Marine Engineering, and more importantly, giving me visibility and access to national and international engineering and maritime platforms.

Through WOMESA Tanzania network, I was able to secure six months of sea service as an Engine Cadet aboard the BLUE ECONOMY 1, a landing craft operating along the coast of Tanzania. This sea service not only enhanced my technical skills but also deepened my understanding of teamwork, discipline, and adaptability in a demanding offshore environment.

Key Sponsored Events and Learning Platforms:

WOMESA Tanzania chapter sponsored me in the following platforms;

1. International Maritime Day – Kilwa, 2022
2. Tanzania Women Engineers Convocation and Exhibition (TAWECE), since 2021
3. Tanzania Blue Economy Conferences since 2022
4. Featured speaker World Maritime Day in Musoma, 2024.
5. Presenter on International Day for Women in Maritime (Zanzibar, June 2024)
6. rapporteur for the International Women’s Day event by WOMESA Region and the UK Department of Transport

Mentorship Impact – Co-Founder of Princesses of the Sea

One of the proudest moments in my journey was founding the mentorship program known as “Princesses of the Sea” under the umbrella of WOMESA Tanzania Chapter. This initiative was created to specifically support and mentor girls studying Maritime Education and Training (MET), Provide them with guidance, career orientation, and moral encouragement through structured workshops and peer-led mentorship and sharpen a new breed of confident, and capable female professionals who can thrive in Tanzania’s maritime sector.

Through the Princesses of the Sea program and other outreach efforts, I have:

• Visited over 10 schools across Tanzania
• Spoken to more than 5,000 students, encouraging girls to pursue STEM and MET pathways
• Mentored dozens of girls one-on-one, helping them set goals, apply for opportunities, and believe in their potential

Leadership Development – Faith-Driven and Nationally Engaged

Thanks to WOMESA Tanzania’s sponsorship, I’ve had the privilege of participating in prestigious leadership platforms such as;

• Tanzania National Prayer Breakfast (June 2023.

• Youth Leadership Forum – Dodoma on june2023
• Visit to Tanzanian Parliament on June 2023
• Jesus-Issa Leadership Gathering – Mombasa, Kenya on July 2023

My Vision: Leading the Next Wave of Change

Empowered and equipped by WOMESA Tanzania Chapter, I now walk with a calling to lead, serve, and mentor. My goals include:

• Expanding the Princesses of the Sea program to reach more MET institutions across Tanzania.
• Becoming a national advocate for girls in engineering and maritime leadership.
• Publishing reflective essays and books to influence youth perspectives on leadership, excellence, and faith.
• Continuing to serve as a speaker, mentor, and servant leader, rooted in humility and courage.

“All that I have become — an engineer, mentor, speaker, and servant leader — is because WOMESA Tanzania Chapter believed in me, invested in me, and gave me room to grow. I am committed to passing that gift forward.”