UNICEF appoints renowned musician Abigail Chams as National Ambassador ahead of International Day of the Girl

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 21 September 2026 – UNICEF today announced the appointment of renowned musician, songwriter and youth advocate Abigail Chams as its new National Ambassador, bringing her voice and platform to efforts to advance children’s rights and adolescent well-being in Tanzania.

The announcement was made at the UNICEF Tanzania office during the annual Girls Take Over initiative ahead of the International Day of the Girl. As part of the initiative, Kuruthum Massiro from Mwanza Region took on the role of UNICEF Representative for the day and met Abigail Chams, creating an opportunity for the young advocate to experience a leadership role and connect with a prominent young voice advocating for children and young people.

Abigail’s appointment builds on her previous work alongside UNICEF as a Youth Advocate, where she has used her public platform to promote girls’ rights, mental well-being and positive social change. 

“Today, as Kuruthum takes over my role and shares her vision for Tanzania’s future, we see the importance of creating opportunities for girls to take on leadership roles. Moments like this also create an opportunity for a young girl to connect with someone she can look up to and learn from,” said Elke Wisch, UNICEF Representative to Tanzania. “Abigail brings her own experience, creativity and influence as an advocate for young people, and we are delighted to welcome her as UNICEF National Ambassador. We hope that her example will inspire more girls to see themselves as leaders, to use their voices and to believe in what is possible.” 

Abigail’s appointment builds on her previous work with UNICEF as a Youth Advocate, promoting girls’ rights, mental well-being and positive social change. As National Ambassador, she will use her voice and public platform to support advocacy on mental health, child protection, ending violence against children and adolescent empowerment.

Following her recent visit to the C-Sema Child Helpline centre and engagements with young people, parents and care givers, Abigail and UNICEF are launching ‘Hauko Solo’, a campaign encouraging young people to speak openly about their feelings, seek help and know that they are not alone. Through the campaign, Abigail will also promote the 116 Child Helpline and use music, storytelling and public engagement to amplify the voices of children and young people across Tanzania.

“I am deeply honoured to join UNICEF as National Ambassador. It is especially meaningful to receive this appointment during the International Day of the Girl Child celebrations, alongside girls who are stepping into leadership roles through the Girls Take Over initiative,” said Abigail. “I will continue using my voice and platform to advocate for children’s rights, promote mental well-being, and support efforts to end child marriage and invest in girls’ futures. I hope that through this campaign we can make those conversations feel a little easier and remind young people that support is there.”

For Kuruthum, the opportunity to take on the role of UNICEF Representative and meet Abigail offered a meaningful experience of girls supporting and learning from one another.

“Taking over as Representative for UNICEF today and meeting Abigail has inspired me to keep using my voice to advocate for girls and young people. Every girl deserves a chance to stay in school, pursue her ambitions and build the future she wants. By ending child marriage and investing in girls’ rights, we can unlock the potential of an entire generation,” said Kuruthum.

The Girls Take Over initiative, undertaken in partnership with Plan International, gives girls an opportunity to take on leadership roles and share their perspectives on issues that affect their lives. This year’s initiative is being held under the theme “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights.”

The theme calls for continued action to ensure that girls can stay in school, access health and protection services, participate in decisions that affect their lives and have opportunities to realise their aspirations.