A home for Mariam: Dedication to Preterm Babies

From left to right, Dr. Sylvia Ruambo and Mariam, holding the keys, emotional about her new home (Photo courtesy: Dr. Sylvia Ruambo)

By Sylvia Ruambo - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Community Manager and Ambassador of WWO

As part of the World Prematurity Day Commemoration, the Community of Preterm Mothers Network (Women Supporting Women) handed over a three-bedroom house to Mariam Joseph Mwakabungu, 26, in recognition of her selfless dedication to supporting premature babies at Amana Hospital in Dar es Salaam. This initiative was made possible through the unwavering efforts of Dr. Sylvia Ruambo, an ambassador of the World Women’s Observatory (WWO) of WUCWO and Community Manager from Tanzania.

Dr. Sylvia Ruambo was a pivotal member of the networking team that ensured Mariam received her new home, reflecting the mission of WWO to support and uplift women facing challenging circumstances.

Mariam, who lost her mother as an infant and was raised in poverty by her grandmother in a rural area, moved to Dar es Salaam and worked as a housemaid. She is married with three children and, like many other women, her married life was not easy. Despite facing significant challenges, including financial struggles and a lack of stable housing, she dedicated her life to caring for "born too soon" babies by providing Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) for preterm babies who had lost their mothers. She has cared for three preterm infants, with the first requiring hospitalization for three months, and has tirelessly supported two others.

Moved by her unwavering dedication, WSW to Rise and Raise launched a campaign in October 2023 to mobilize funds, purchase a plot, and construct a home for Mariam. The project was completed in November 2024, and the house was officially handed over to her on November 17, 2024, during World Prematurity Day. The Doris Mollel Foundation, an organization advocating for preterm babies and their mothers, coordinated the entire process and supervised the construction of the house.

This initiative not only provides Mariam with a stable home but also recognizes her extraordinary contribution to the community. Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact of selflessness and community support, and it highlights the importance of collaborative efforts to uplift and empower women in need.

Additionally, WSW to Rise and Raise successfully lobbied the government to employ Mariam at Amana Hospital, securing her a stable source of income.

We thank God for His enduring mercy and love in making this achievement possible.