I was told to marry the man who raped me

Editha’s mother fought hard so her daughter could have a better life, but her sudden death leaves a lot on her shoulders.

Editha, 31, was born in Moshi in 1989 but was raised in Arusha. She is the daughter of Perfect Vision’s late founder Mama Happy and is now chairwoman of the group.

She originally dropped out of school before her A levels – Happy was very sick at the time and Editha needed to work to support the family.

When Happy recovered she told her daughter she needed to go to college, but with the gaps in her education it was going to be a long road to completion.

“I didn’t have anyone to advise me. I just started anything thinking this would get me money, Editha said.

“I started with a computer and secretary course, but I never worked in that.”

“Then I started teaching and childcare. I was employed as a professional teacher for two years but at that time I didn’t see myself in teaching so I shifted to study community development.”

She had to start at certificate level, then diploma level, before finally finishing her degree in 2018.

At all of the far-flung places she studied it was her mum who managed to pay her fees and living expenses despite her own struggles.

“My mum was always saying maybe if I have the chance to get educated, I wouldn’t live this hard life,” Editha said.

“That’s why she decided to invest so much in me.”

Editha returned home to Arusha and started looking for a job. Eventually she found work with Tanzania Volunteer Experience in 2019, but when Covid struck in March 2020 there wasn’t any work. She hasn’t been employed since.

But from the time of Happy’s sudden death in November 2020, she has taken up her mother’s mantle and made the Perfect Vision dream her own.

In fact, really she was involved from the start, encouraging and helping her mum to set the group up behind the scenes. She was even planning to open something similar of her own with a friend.

She said: “I had never thought that I would be here leading this group now because I never thought by mum would die this soon.

“But now she’s gone I need to be responsible for it and I need to make sure we achieve my mum’s plans for the group.”

As well as taking over Perfect Vision, Editha has also had to pick up her mother’s role of caring for her paralysed father.

Happy had also brought in income by selling underwear after hours, as well as chickens and eggs and she was very active in building a house so they could move out of rented accommodation.

It leaves Editha with a lot on her shoulders – but she is her mother’s daughter and she faces it all with outstanding bravery.

Perfect Vision Women works to increase access to education for women, particularly those who have been historically disadvantaged or marginalized. This includes providing support for women to pursue education, as well as offering educational resources and opportunities for women to learn new skills and knowledge.

Humanitarian aid is focused on giving back to the community through our project “Remember the Forgotten.” This project includes providing essential resources such as food, shelter, and clothing to those in need through donations. We believe that every individual has the right to basic needs and we strive to make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable members of the community

Perfect Vision Women Tanzania focuses on providing education, resources, and support to empower women and communities to take control of their own health. Our primary focus is on reproductive health, specifically through the production and distribution of sanitary pads to promote menstrual hygiene and education on reproductive health.

Perfect Vision Women Tanzania focuses on providing education, resources, and support to empower women and communities to take control of their own health. Our primary focus is on reproductive health, specifically through the production and distribution of sanitary pads to promote menstrual hygiene and education on reproductive health.

Amani joined the Perfect Vision Women Tanzania team in 2022, bringing fresh energy, a sharp mind, and a deep commitment to our mission. Since then, he has become a vital part of our work—helping plan, implement, and monitor programs that directly impact the lives of women and girls in our community.

Whether it’s coordinating field activities, writing reports, or supporting administrative tasks behind the scenes, Amani’s dedication ensures that our projects run smoothly and effectively. His ability to stay organized while working with compassion has made him an anchor for our team.

More than just a colleague, Amani is someone who truly believes in our vision. His presence reminds us that empowering women is not just women’s work—it’s a shared responsibility. We’re proud to have him as part of our leadership and impact journey.

Naomi is the creative hands and patient heart behind our sewing program at Perfect Vision Women Tanzania. As our Sewing Instructor, she teaches girls and young women valuable tailoring skills—from basic stitches to advanced garment making—that not only build confidence but also open doors to economic independence.

With a calm and nurturing spirit, Naomi does more than just teach—she mentors. She understands that every thread she guides is not just shaping fabric, but shaping futures. Whether she’s helping a beginner thread a needle for the first time or supporting a girl to design her first dress, Naomi meets every student with kindness, patience, and encouragement.

Her dedication to empowering others through skill-building is at the core of our Crafting Her Future program. Naomi is not only a teacher—she’s a quiet force of transformation, giving girls the tools to dream bigger and stand taller.

Christine, fondly known as Tina, is the heart of our volunteer program. She ensures that every volunteer who joins Perfect Vision Women Tanzania feels welcomed, supported, and fully engaged in our mission. From coordinating daily activities to translating and bridging communication gaps, Tina plays a vital role in creating meaningful volunteer experiences.

But Tina’s journey with Perfect Vision began long before she became a coordinator. In 2020, she was one of the very first women empowered by Mama Happy—the founder of our organization. What started as a chance to rebuild her life grew into a deep calling to give back.

Inspired by Mama Happy’s vision and the impact it had on her personally, Tina returned—not just as a beneficiary, but as a leader. Today, she carries forward the spirit of empowerment she once received, helping others the same way she was once helped.

Her story is one of transformation, resilience, and full-circle purpose—and we’re proud to have her as part of our leadership team.

Perfect Vision Women Tanzania was born from my mother’s heart—Mama Happy, a woman whose passion for empowering vulnerable women and girls lit up every space she entered. In 2020, when she passed away, my world fell apart.

In the midst of grief, I was faced with a decision that would change my life forever. I chose to leave my job and step into the work my mother had started. Not because it was easy—but because I knew her mission was too important to stop. I couldn’t let her dream die with her.

Taking over Perfect Vision was not just a responsibility—it was a promise I made at her graveside: that I would continue what she began, no matter how hard it got. And every day since, I’ve poured my heart into this journey—fighting for every girl to stay in school, for every woman to find her strength, and for every forgotten voice to be heard.

This is more than work. It’s legacy. It’s love. It’s Mama Happy’s spirit—alive in everything we do.