MSI Tanzania adapts their approaches across vast terrains and more than 120 tribes and supported two million women and girls in 2025. Three of these women opened up about why they came to MSI for support.
MAYASA
An ambitious university student in Zanzibar, 19-year-old Mayasa, stepped into one of MSI Tanzania’s clinics after being referred by a community health worker.
She wasn’t sure what to expect, but her desire to continue studying propelled her forward.
“When I arrived at MSI, the nurses welcomed me warmly, treating me with respect. I told them I was not ready to get pregnant because I am still a student, and because our religion does not allow pregnancy before marriage. They gave me the information and services I needed.
Now I feel confident that I will not get pregnant while I’m still studying. I can focus on my education and achieve my goals without fear of pregnancy. My dream is to become a schoolteacher.
I want my friends to feel the same confidence – I tell them that they have choices, and MSI can help them too.”
GRACE
Grace and her husband are a partnership, making the big life calls together.
Now at 35 and with five children, they’ve decided that their family is complete.
“People in my area say contraception can cause infertility but I’m living proof that that’s not true. I have five children and have been using contraception for years. They all have three years between them because I’ve been able to space them. Contraception has helped me grow all my children to be healthy and well.
Me and my husband have been visiting MSI Tanzania since we got married. Today, I have come to take up a permanent method because I don’t need any more children. We are happy.”
NAYFAT
Local fruit seller Nayfat began using contraception as a newlywed when she was 23. No fussing about – she knew what she wanted and that was to manage her family size on her own timeline. Today, she is a proud mother of a ten-year-old and two-year-old.
“Selling fruit is how I support my family, and family planning gave me the time and freedom to grow my business. When you can plan your children, you can plan your life and your income.
Getting the contraceptive implant gave me peace of mind. Without contraception, many women would struggle to support their families. These services help us build better lives.”
The power of reproductive choice is undeniable. It changes the very foundation of people’s lives and the futures they can build.
People access MSI’s services for all sorts of reasons – students, new mothers or women starting out their careers. Read more of their stories:
