Hon Catherine Nyakao Ruge is one of the youngest Member of Parliament representing Serengeti under Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA). Hon. Ruge managed to go to school at a young age dreaming of being the hope to the young generation in Serengeti. She said, “As from youngest age I dreamed of being a highly educated woman who would bring changes to the society especially with the same culture as mine. These dreams motivated her to study hard and reach the level that she is now.”

Hon. Ruge is a social activist who opposes anti-Semitism and advocates for the rights of girls and mothers. She continues to advocate for the rights of girl child against early marriage, FGM, violence against women and discrimination against female children (women) in education and employment / employment. Hon. Ruge has served as CEO at the Institute of Girls Education Support Initiatives (GESI), as Project Manager, Institute of Private Health facilities in Tanzania (APHFTA), as Chief Financial Officer, Institute of Private Health facilities in Tanzania (APHFTA), as the Relationship Manager, National Bank of Commerce (NBC), and as a Business analyst at the National Bank of Commerce (NBC). She was the winner of the ‘UN-Empowering Women Champions for Change’ 2016/2017 – and she educates, coaches and inspires women at different levels. Across secondary schools, she supports students on self-awareness and life skills for the fulfillment of their dreams; At the University she coaches students on economic empowerment; and within the community, she trains women groups in financial literacy.

Hon Ruge who is also the treasurer of her political party CHADEMA in the Serengeti Region, is currently pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Gender and Accounting at the University of Dar es Salaam; having successfully graduated with a Master's degree (MBA) in Business Management from Eastern and Southern Africa Management Institute (ESAMI) College in Arusha. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Accounting (Bcom) from University of Dar es salaam and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificate holder accredited by the National Board of Accountants and Auditors (NBAA) in Tanzania.