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Flaviana Matata – Super Model and Empowering Social Entrepreneur

Flaviana Matata – Super Model and Empowering Social Entrepreneur

 

Beyond her success as a celebrated fashion model, Flaviana Matata is a powerful social entrepreneur on a mission to make a difference in Tanzania. With a heart for change and a vision of empowerment, she uses her platform to champion education and health advocacy for young girls and women. I’ve known Flaviana for years, and I’m proud to call her a friend. I’ve always admired her inspiring journey, her nonprofit initiatives, and her unwavering commitment to transforming the lives of girls in underserved communities. I had the privilege of photographing her in her gorgeous apartment last year, and I’m excited to share some of her story with you.

From Modeling to Making a Difference: Flaviana's Journey

Raised by a single father in Tanzania after losing her mother at a young age, Flaviana learned early on the importance of community and support. Her father, a strong role model, spent his life helping others, especially young girls, by providing access to education. It was this spirit of giving back that ignited Flaviana’s own desire to make a difference.

After being discovered as a model, Flaviana was faced with a defining moment: to continue her studies or take the leap into modeling. But as she thought of the girls in Tanzania who dreamed of an education but couldn’t afford it, she knew her path had to serve a larger purpose.

"I realized that I had an opportunity that many young girls didn’t. I knew I had to use my position in the fashion industry as a platform to support these girls—especially in education and health,” Flaviana shared. And so, Flaviana Matata Foundation was born.

The Flaviana Matata Foundation: Empowering Girls through Education & Health

The mission of the Flaviana Matata Foundation is the goal of removing the barriers that keep girls in Tanzania from obtaining an education. These obstacles are far-reaching, extending beyond financial hardship to include cultural traditions, limited access to menstrual hygiene products, and a lack of education on sexual and reproductive health.

One of the foundation’s core focuses is menstrual health and hygiene, a crucial issue for many girls in Tanzania. In numerous communities, girls are often expected to drop out of school when they begin menstruating, and even those who continue their education face challenges due to the lack of access to basic sanitary products or facilities. Flaviana’s foundation provides not only the necessary menstrual products but also essential education on reproductive health, ensuring that girls have the knowledge and support they need to stay in school, confident and empowered.

“We provide not only the products but the knowledge and interaction around menstrual health, hygiene, and sexual reproductive health rights so that girls can have a better understanding of their bodies,” Flaviana explains. This holistic approach ensures that the girls in the program receive both the resources and the education they need to thrive.

The foundation’s work doesn’t stop with girls—it extends to the entire community. By engaging boys and men in these conversations, the foundation fosters greater understanding and support, creating lasting, sustainable change.

Beyond academic success, Flaviana also highlights the significant personal growth seen in the girls enrolled in the program. “Some of these girls were lagging behind in school, but now they are leading. They are confident, and they have a better understanding of their bodies. The impact has been tremendous, not just on the girls, but on the entire community,” she shares.

Through education, mentorship, and empowerment, the foundation is helping these young women become role models and agents of change in their communities.

Flaviana’s Personal Commitment: A Balanced Vision

Running a nonprofit while maintaining a thriving career in fashion has not been without challenges. The fashion industry, often focused on the superficial, wasn’t always supportive of Flaviana’s mission. She recalls times when her dedication to the foundation was met with resistance from clients who saw her activism as “too much.” Despite this, Flaviana persevered.

She speaks candidly about the difficulty of balancing modeling and her nonprofit work, especially when it meant missing major job opportunities in order to focus on the girls she supports. "It was hard, but I am proud to see the change we’ve made. I see these girls doing amazing things for themselves and their families, and that’s what makes it all worth it,” she says.

Her journey hasn’t been easy, but Flaviana knows the value of her work. “I didn’t have any godfathers or godmothers in the fashion industry. I started from scratch, and to be able to do all this on my own, with the support of a few people, is a blessing,” she reflects.

My favorite part about sitting with Flaviana was hearing the perseverance and gratitude in her voice. As she continues to reflect on her journey, she’s learned to appreciate the progress she’s made, both personally and professionally. “This year, I’ve learned to stop and smell the roses. I came from nothing, and now I’m able to use my platform to make a real difference. That’s something to be proud of,” she says.

It’s clear that Flaviana’s passion for empowering young girls in Tanzania and her dedication to using her success for good is the driving force behind everything she does. I hope Flaviana’s story inspires you as much as it has inspired me.

Learn more about  Flaviana Matata Foundation.

Thank you for being part of our community, and I hope you continue to find inspiration in the work of remarkable leaders like Flaviana Matata.


Flaviana is wearing our small WRAP BASE and Devyn Headwrap.

Article and photography by: Paola Mathé

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