Sofia Kawawa was born on August 12, 1936, in the southern Masonya village, which was part of the Tunduru District in the Ruvuma region.

They transformed small community groups into political action networks through which they could exchange information, attend rallies and marches, and fundraise.

Compared to her husband, whose involvement in trade unions allowed him access to politics, Kawawa did not have a large official role in the independence movement.

With Bibi Titi Mohamed, Kawawa helped found the Tanzania Women’s Union (UWT) in 1962 to fight for inclusion in ujamaa.

The socialist ideology was based on an idealized view of a pre-colonial, self-reliant Africa, but in practice, it emphasized Western, disconnected nuclear families.

Organizations aimed solely at women were the most visible forms of political mobilization, and tended to focus on literacy, health, financial stability, and hygiene.

She fought for more equitable access to education for girls and adults and paid maternity leave for all working women, and criticized Islamic rules such as polygamy.

Kawawa redefined the role of women in Tanzanian society through the UWT and sought to improve the lives of girls through social development.