Tanzanian international supermodel Miriam Odemba has sparked a national conversation after publicly exposing a series of alleged sexual abuses within the country’s beauty and modeling industry.
Her powerful social media post has drawn widespread attention, prompting swift action from government officials and rallying support from activists and the public alike.
On May 16, Odemba published a statement on her Instagram page, @miriamodemba, detailing the harrowing experiences of young women in the modeling sector, allegedly at the hands of Simon Fundikira.
The accused is said to have promised aspiring models employment opportunities, only to harass them when they rejected his advances—behavior described as both manipulative and degrading.
"It hurts to see someone destroy the dreams of a girl who believes in modeling," said Odemba in an interview. "Since 2019, my Miriam Odemba Foundation has worked to support every Tanzanian girl in achieving her goals. We’ve made it our mission to protect and empower them—but it’s heartbreaking when one individual shatters that trust."
Odemba’s international stature—as a former Miss Earth finalist and a globally recognized model—has added weight to her message, giving voice to victims who had previously remained silent.
Among the first leaders to respond was Dr. Dorothy Gwajima, Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups. Reacting to Odemba’s post, she called on all victims to contact her directly.
"Thank you for tagging me. I need the complainants to send me an SMS on 0765345777 so I can guide them on what steps to take," she wrote in a public comment, adding that verified claims would be met with full legal and ethical action.
The minister’s immediate response was welcomed by activists across the fashion and gender rights communities.
One of the most prominent reactions came from fashion and empowerment page @the_glamour, which posted:
"Thank you so much, our mother @gwajimad, for responding to us and hearing our cry. We wouldn’t have been heard if not for our sister @miriamodemba raising her voice."
Yvonne Sumari, and other prominent voices have also echoed the sentiment, calling Odemba’s intervention a "turning point" for accountability in the modeling sector.
Wasafi presenter Juma Lokole also mentioned on the comments that he has his evidences and he's ready to deal with the man respectively.
In the days following her statement, Odemba's inbox has been flooded with messages from women sharing similar experiences or expressing gratitude for her advocacy.
Her foundation has pledged to continue supporting victims, working closely with legal and mental health professionals to ensure their safety and justice.
As of now, Simon Fundikira has not issued any public response to the allegations.What began as a social media post has evolved into a movement—one that challenges long-standing silence and impunity in creative industries.
For Miriam Odemba, this is only the beginning of a fight to ensure dignity, respect, and safety for every girl who dreams of standing on a runway.