Gender-based violence (GBV) is a serious issue in the lives of many women and disabled persons in Tanzania, even though Tanzanian laws have made strides in preventing and sentencing GBV offenders. For example, the Sexual Offence Special Provisions Act of 1998 imposes heavy punishments on perpetrators of sexual violence. However, inequities persist due to various social and system factors.

Religion is frequently considered an impediment to gender equality and is sometimes used to justify violence against women. Feminist advocacy, although there to support women’s issues, is sometimes perceived as advisorial and viewed as excluding men. This has made progress towards gender equality and ending GBV difficult. However, the collaboration between church leaders and feminists can lead to positive steps towards addressing GBV.

The project plans to have a session of seminars that bring together faith leaders, feminists and women from the target areas to have a vibrant discussion about religious freedom, GBV committed in the name of religion and for faith leaders to understand the significance of women in the economy. The seminars will also include training on GBV and gender equality. The project will also create art groups consisting of drummers, dancers and actors that will create performances to spread messages on women’s rights and how to prevent the exploitation and oppression of women. The art group will also be provided with supplies to manufacture art materials for cash generation to ensure the art group is sustainable once the project is over.

The I’m Powerful project was launched to empower underprivileged women in the Kinondoni District of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The project was born from a desire to uplift and support women marginalized and overlooked by society. Through various initiatives and programs, we provided these women with the tools, resources, and opportunities they needed to thrive and succeed.

The I’m Powerful project employed a multi-faceted approach, including skills training, mentorship, and access to resources. We partnered with local organizations and community leaders to identify women who could benefit from our programs, offering training in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and health and wellness. We also provided mentorship and support to help these women navigate the challenges they faced.

Throughout the implementation of the project, we learned valuable lessons about the power of community, resilience, and determination. We witnessed firsthand how even small acts of kindness and support can transform someone’s life. We learned that empowerment goes beyond providing resources; it’s about instilling confidence and self-worth in the women we worked with. We also learned the importance of listening to the needs and desires of the community and adapting our programs accordingly.

The impact of the I’m Powerful project has been profound and far-reaching. We’ve seen women who once struggled to make ends meet now thrive as entrepreneurs and business owners. We’ve seen women who were once afraid to speak up now confidently advocating for themselves and their communities. We’ve seen women who were once isolated and alone now surrounded by a strong support network of peers and mentors. The transformation in these women’s lives has been nothing short of inspiring.

As we reflect on the journey of the I’m Powerful project, we are inspired by the resilience, strength, and determination of the women we have worked with. We are inspired by their ability to overcome obstacles and challenges with grace and courage. We are inspired by their unwavering belief in themselves and their potential. And we are inspired by the power of community and collaboration to create lasting change.

We hope the story of the I’m Powerful project reminds you of the incredible potential within each of us. We hope it inspires you to take action, to stand up for what you believe in, and to support those who need it most. We hope it sparks a fire within you to make a difference in your community and empower those around you. Because, as we have seen firsthand when we come together and lift each other, we truly are powerful beyond measure.