Justina Mashiba

A lawyer and the CEO of the Universal Communications Service Access Fund (UCSAF), believes that leadership is driven by determination and the ability to serve with confidence, honesty, and discipline. She advises young women aspiring to leadership positions to demonstrate these qualities to ensure their contributions to an organization are noticed. In addition, she emphasizes the importance of managing stress, as taking on leadership responsibilities can come with significant pressure.

Leading UCSAF has posed challenges for Justina, particularly due to the rising expectations from stakeholders, such as unconnected populations in Tanzania. Despite achieving milestones in communication coverage, new challenges continually arise, demanding her attention and making her role as CEO very busy. She is dedicated to overcoming these obstacles and pushing the organization towards greater achievements.

To help other women succeed in leadership, Justina actively mentors a select group of four mentees. She believes in the importance of quality mentorship and makes time to meet with each mentee at least once a quarter to discuss their progress and provide guidance. This hands-on approach has allowed her to better understand the needs of her mentees and support their career development effectively.

Justina also acknowledges the difficulties of balancing the demands of her role with family time. She advises young women to maintain a work-life balance while staying committed to their professional responsibilities. She encourages them to be determined, disciplined, and focused on their goals, understanding that leadership requires both resilience and the ability to manage the stress that comes with increased responsibility.