Abigail Chams gets UNICEF Tanzania national ambassador role after 6 years as youth advocate

Tanzanian musician Abigail Chams has been appointed UNICEF Tanzania National Ambassador, six years after she began working with the organisation as a Youth Advocate.

Chams shared the news on her Instagram page on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, reflecting on her journey with UNICEF and the issues she has worked on over the years.

The appointment was announced by UNICEF Tanzania on September 21, 2026, with the organisation saying Chams will use her platform to support advocacy around children’s rights, mental wellbeing, child protection and girls’ empowerment.

Chams reflects on her UNICEF journey

Chams said her involvement with UNICEF began six years ago, when she took on the role of Youth Advocate. During that period, she used her voice to speak about issues affecting young people, including mental health, girls’ empowerment and children’s rights.

Looking back at the journey, Chams said her purpose has remained the same despite taking on a new role.

“Six years ago, I began my journey with UNICEF as a Youth Advocate, using my voice to advocate for mental health, girls’ empowerment and children’s rights,” she wrote.

The new appointment will see her continue with advocacy work, with UNICEF noting that her previous work with the organisation helped build the foundation for her new role.

Campaign launched

Alongside the new role, Chams and UNICEF Tanzania have launched a campaign, which focuses on encouraging young people to talk about their feelings and seek help when they are struggling.

The campaign also promotes the 116 Child Helpline, a service through which children and adolescents can seek support. Chams said the campaign is intended to remind young people that asking for help is not something they should be ashamed of.

“And in this new beginning, we’ve launched the #HaukoSolo campaign to remind each other that it’s okay not to be okay. Asking for help is courage. Talking is important; you are not alone,” she said.

According to UNICEF Tanzania, the campaign follows Chams’ recent engagement with the C-Sema Child Helpline centre, as well as interactions with young people, parents and caregivers.

Chams to continue advocating for children

As National Ambassador, Chams is expected to use her music, storytelling and public platform to support conversations around children’s rights and wellbeing.

UNICEF Tanzania said her work will also include advocacy on ending violence against children, child protection, adolescent empowerment and efforts to end child marriage.

Chams said the new position does not change the reason she began the advocacy work in the first place.

“Six years later, my purpose is still the same, for every child. For every voice. For our future,” she said.

The appointment comes ahead of the International Day of the Girl and was announced during UNICEF Tanzania’s Girls Take Over initiative, which gives girls opportunities to take on leadership roles and share their views on issues affecting them.