Jenga Kilimanjaro Outreach (JENGA) is a youth and women-focused non-governmental organisation headquartered in Dar es Salaam, and registered on August 18th 2015, in Tanzania. JENGA complements government efforts by contributing to implementing various policies and hence brings development to the citizens. Our primary focus is on young people and women. We focus on community-based efforts to improve economic independence, end discrimination, enhance food security and protect natural resources.

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.