Oky Tanzania: Giving Girls the Tools to Learn, Lead and Thrive.

In Berlin at re:publica 2025, the world’s leading conference on digital society, Oky Tanzania emerged as a true game-changer in digital skills innovation. Representing Tai, Debora Maboya, Head of Operations and Programs, joined an inspiring panel titled “Makers, Movers, and Digital Innovators: How Digital Skills Empower Africa to Drive Global Transformation.”

Alongside Anna Sophie Herken, Member of the Management Board at GIZ, Manuel Moritz, Senior Researcher at the New Production Institute and Katie Gallus who is the moderator and geographer the conversation explored how technologies from FabLabs and open-source hardware to AI and digital sovereignty are unlocking new opportunities across Africa. The discussion highlighted that digital innovation is not just shifting systems it’s empowering communities to shape their own futures.

A spotlight moment came when Oky Tanzania, a groundbreaking platform co-created by Tai and UNICEF Tanzania, took center stage. More than a period tracker, Oky is a digital companion helping girls understand their menstrual health, break taboos, and build critical digital skills.

Oky Tanzania is more than a promising idea it’s a proven impact story. Since its launch, over 10,000 girls have accessed Oky’s inclusive, culturally sensitive content reaching both in-school and out-of-school girls, including those with disabilities. Oky is not just an idea; it’s a growing movement transforming the way girls experience menstruation and digital education.

“Just as critically,” Debora shared,
“Our training equips young people especially girls and persons with disabilities with knowledge on how to stay safe online, avoid cybercrimes, and recognize and respond to cyberbullying and digital harassment”.

The panel emphasized the power of inclusive digital innovation and how youth are using tech not just to learn, but to lead change in their communities.

From the country of Tanzania to the global spotlight in Berlin, the message is clear:
When all girls have the tools to understand their bodies and access digital skills, they become unstoppable agents of change.

The journey of Oky Tanzania is just beginning. Already, girls are breaking barriers, building confidence, and creating a future they can truly own.