The project titled “Our Voices Must Be Heard” by Society for Equality (S4E), intends to reduce all Forms Of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in society in both rural and urban settings. To execute the project, the team plans to ensure that women and girls of reproductive age become more self-reliant and capable of speaking out against all forms of violence and achieving the fundamental rights to which they are entitled as women through various empowerment activities, such as conducting entrepreneurship training for two groups of 20 people – skills on saloon, horticulture, food vendor, tailoring skills, organisation and staff capacity strengthening and strengthening, and sensitisation on GBV issues in the project area. The project will be implemented in different modalities, such as a campaign will be conducted in the form of offline and online. The project also intends to create a documentary.

Introduction

The Society for Equality (S4E) embarked on a transformative journey from June 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024, under the project titled “Our Voices Must Be Heard” (V-22208-TZ-EM-137). This initiative aimed to empower marginalized women and girls in Bunju, Tanzania, through vocational training and capacity-building activities focused on addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and promoting economic independence. 

Setting the Stage 

As we launched the project, we were acutely aware of the challenges faced by women and girls in our community. Issues such as GBV, economic inequality, and lack of access to education were rampant. Our team understood that change was necessary, not only for the individuals directly involved but also for the broader community. With the support of Voice, we began this journey with the goal of fostering empowerment and creating lasting impacts. 

Activity 1: Capacity Building and Organizational Strengthening 

The first phase of our project focused on strengthening our organization and the capacities of our staff. This involved: 

Training Workshops: We organized workshops for four staff members, one board member, and the Executive Director to enhance their understanding of our policies and their implementation. This training was crucial for ensuring that our organizational framework could support the project’s objectives. 

Installation of Financial Systems: The installation of a finance system streamlined our budgeting and financial tracking, enabling us to allocate resources effectively. 

The transformation was palpable. Staff members who once struggled with financial management now operated confidently with the new systems in place. They were able to focus more on the project’s impact rather than getting bogged down by administrative hurdles. 

Activity 2: Inception and Sensitization on GBV Issues 

With our organization fortified, we moved into the core of our project—sensitization on GBV and vocational training. This phase included: 

Training Sessions: We conducted entrepreneurship training for two groups of 20 participants, focusing on skills such as salon services, horticulture, food vending, and tailoring. This hands-on training equipped women with essential skills to start their businesses. 

Awareness Campaigns: Media campaigns, both online and offline, raised awareness about GBV, drawing in local community members, government officials, and religious leaders to join the discussion. 

During this phase, we witnessed remarkable changes. Women who participated in the training began to express newfound confidence. For instance, Aisha, one of the trainees, who previously felt limited by her circumstances, shared her dream of opening a salon. By the end of the training, she not only opened her own salon but also became a mentor for others. 

Activity 3: Development of a Documentary 

Recognizing the importance of storytelling in advocacy, we organized a documentary project to capture the experiences of our rightsholders. The documentary highlighted: 

Personal Stories: We documented the journeys of several women who had successfully completed the vocational training. Their stories resonated deeply with viewers and brought a human face to the issues of GBV and economic empowerment. 

Community Engagement: The documentary was showcased in community gatherings, sparking conversations and increasing community support for women’s rights. 

This activity served as a powerful tool for advocacy. By sharing their stories, the women not only empowered themselves but also inspired others to take action. The emotional impact of seeing someone from their own community succeed encouraged many to believe in the possibility of change. 

A Story of Transformation: The Bunju Training Center 

One of the most inspiring outcomes of our project was the story of five young women from Bunju who, after receiving vocational training, established their own training center. Thanks to a soft loan facilitated by S4E, they pooled their resources to create a hub for skill development in their community. 

Collective Empowerment: The training center became a space not only for teaching skills but also for fostering community solidarity. Women came together to learn, share experiences, and support each other’s ventures. 

Economic Independence: These women are now running successful training sessions for others in their community, thus creating a ripple effect of empowerment. The center has enabled countless women to gain skills and confidence, which has improved their economic conditions. 

Lessons Learned 

As we navigated through the challenges and triumphs of this project, several key lessons emerged: 

Community Engagement is Key: Involving community members and stakeholders from the beginning fosters a sense of ownership and commitment to the project. When local leaders participated in our sensitization sessions, they amplified our messages and increased community buy-in. 

Flexibility and Adaptability: The ability to adapt our approaches based on feedback and challenges was crucial. For example, when we recognized