Lilian Lema is a trailblazing digital content creator with a focus on sexual reproductive health and rights, an accomplished entrepreneur, and a respected brand influencer. Through her business, Intimate By Lilly, she empowers women by providing over 20,000 health and hygiene products annually, championing well-being and education.
Beyond her entrepreneurial achievements, Lilian is the founder of the Mtoto Hub Initiative, a nonprofit organization committed to supporting orphans and vulnerable children. Her work through the initiative fosters hope, creates opportunities, and empowers the next generation, reflecting her deep commitment to social impact and community building.
Can you tell us about your background and what motivated you to start your journey as a digital creator and founder of a nonprofit organization?
I am Lilian Lema, a passionate advocate for sexual reproductive health and rights and the founder of the Intimate by Lilly Store and Mtoto Hub Initiative. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the prestigious University of Dar es Salaam, the top university in Tanzania and East Africa.
My journey began with a deep-seated desire to empower women and children in Tanzania. Witnessing the struggles many women face due to a lack of accurate information and resources about their sexual health inspired me to take action. My goal was to create a platform where women could gain knowledge and confidence about their bodies and health. My content has reached thousands of women in Tanzania and beyond, leading to the establishment of the Intimate by Lilly Store.
Additionally, my experiences and interactions with vulnerable children in my community highlighted the urgent need for an organization dedicated to their welfare. This realization motivated me to launch Mtoto Hub Initiative, which aims to provide children in need with basic necessities and opportunities for growth and development. My work is driven by a commitment to uplift and support those who are often overlooked, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to lead fulfilling lives.
How have your Tanzanian roots influenced your work in both digital media and philanthropy?
My Tanzanian roots have profoundly shaped my approach to both digital media and philanthropy. Growing up in Tanzania, I was immersed in a rich cultural heritage that values community, resilience, and mutual support. These values have guided my work, driving me to create content that educates and empowers women and society as a whole, while also preserving and promoting our cultural identity, and standing for what is right according to our societal norms and values.
Additionally, my experiences in Tanzania exposed me to the challenges many face, fueling my commitment to philanthropic efforts that address these issues at their core.
What sparked your interest in digital content creation, and how do you use your platform to promote African culture and diversity?
My interest in digital content creation was sparked by the realization of the transformative power of digital media in spreading information and fostering connections. I saw a gap in the availability of reliable sexual health information and felt compelled to fill it through engaging and accessible content. I use my platform to celebrate African culture and diversity by showcasing stories, traditions, and voices from our continent. This not only educates my audience but also promotes a sense of pride and unity among Africans.
Could you share some of the projects or campaigns you’ve worked on that highlight the richness of Tanzanian or African heritage?
One of the projects I’m particularly proud of is a campaign that highlighted traditional Tanzanian medicinal practices and their relevance in modern health discussions. I collaborated with local herbal sellers to create a herbal remedy that helps women facing health issues related to womanhood. Additionally, through Intimate by Lilly, we have partnered with local producers of organic coconut oil, emphasizing the importance of incorporating natural products in our daily lives. We aim to remind society that beauty and confidence don’t have to come from industrialized products.
Another significant project involved creating content that showcased different ways of using natural organic products at home for a healthy lifestyle, including the benefits of okra water and garlic for women’s health.
What inspired you to establish a nonprofit focused on helping orphans and vulnerable children?
The inspiration to establish Mtoto Hub Initiative came from witnessing the struggles of orphans and vulnerable children in my community. I was deeply moved by their resilience and potential, yet I saw how their circumstances hindered their opportunities. I wanted to create an organization that would not only provide for their basic needs but also open doors to educational and developmental opportunities. My goal is to ensure that they can aspire to and achieve their dreams, regardless of their life circumstances.
Mtoto Hub Initiative connects donors with orphanage centers in Dar es Salaam, coordinating logistics and identifying the specific needs of the centers, making it easier for donors to know what to bring or contribute.
Can you describe some of the key initiatives or programs your organization has undertaken to support its mission?
Mtoto Hub Initiative has undertaken several key initiatives, including a school supplies drive that provided essential learning materials to hundreds of children and a mentorship program that connects children with professionals in various fields. We’ve also implemented health and nutrition programs to ensure children receive proper medical care and balanced meals, which are crucial for their overall well-being and development.
What are your aspirations for the future, both personally as a digital creator and for your nonprofit organization?
Looking to the future, I aspire to expand my reach as a digital creator, using my platform to tackle more pressing issues and engage a broader audience. I also aspire to have my own TV show and podcast, where we can discuss various topics related to sexual and reproductive health.
For my nonprofit, my vision is to establish a network of support centers across Tanzania, providing comprehensive services to children in need. I aim to create sustainable programs that can be replicated in other regions, amplifying our impact and creating lasting change in my society and country as a whole.
How do you envision expanding your impact and reaching more vulnerable communities in Tanzania?
To expand my impact, I plan to leverage partnerships with local organizations, government bodies, and international donors. By collaborating with these entities, we can pool resources and expertise, ensuring more comprehensive and far-reaching initiatives. Additionally, I aim to harness the power of digital media to raise awareness and mobilize support, connecting with a global audience that can contribute to our mission in various ways.
