To mark International Women's Day on March 8, Eripoto for Girls and Women planned a special all-day event in Lengijave Village, the home village of Eripoto's founder, Esuvat Lukumay. According to Esuvat, "This event was deeply personal for me as it took place in my home village, a place where girls’ education is still a major challenge. I wanted to create a space where women and girls could not only celebrate but also learn, be empowered, and see what’s possible when we invest in education."

During this powerful day, Esuvat's parents and siblings shared their unique perspectives on education for girls. Her older sister and brother, who had never had the chance to go to school, spoke with deep emotion about the power of education, and her father shed tears of joy when talking about Esuvat's journey from escaping forced early marriage to receiving an education to becoming a fierce advocate. Esuvat's hard-won success has given her younger siblings the chance to receive an education.

There were a variety of other engaging speakers throughout the day - with both emotional testimonies to share and technical knowledge to impart. Two girls currently living at Eripoto Safe House shared their stories. A village leader spoke about the importance of protecting girls’ rights. Esuvat's husband Hedson talked about the harmful biological and social impacts of female genital mutilation (FGM). Winnie from the local organization Inherit Your Rights educated the participants about women's legal rights under Tanzanian law.

They ended the day by sharing a meal together, and they provided food packages to 250 women to feed their families.

Esuvat shared, "Food insecurity is a real challenge in this community, and many women struggle to provide for their families, especially at this time of year. We wanted to ensure that the celebration extended beyond the event itself — giving them not just knowledge but also something tangible to take home."

Esuvat says that the feedback they received was overwhelmingly positive. She explains, "Many women shared how eye-opening the sessions were, especially on women’s rights and the long-term effects of FGM. Some mothers approached us afterward, eager to find ways to keep their daughters in school. The impact was also felt among men, as local leaders engaged in meaningful discussions and even expressed a willingness to challenge harmful practices. Seeing the transformation in perspectives was truly inspiring."

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