The Concern
The estimated total population of the United Republic of Tanzania is 64,296,997 (2022, census). Adolescents constitute a significant proportion of the population estimated at about 61%. A high percentage of adolescents are sexually active and practice unsafe sex. Consequently, the majority of them are highly vulnerable to sexual and reproductive health problems that include adolescent pregnancy and childbearing, complications of unsafe abortion, sexually transmitted infections, and HIV/AIDS (Adolescent Health and Development Strategy, 2004-2008).
Available reproductive services are adult-centered thus making them less accessible to adolescents. For that reason, adolescents, especially those in rural areas, constitute an underserved group. In addition, there are many groups of adolescents who do not have access to proper information and counselling services leading to poor decision-making on reproductive health choices and practices. National policies and strategies are conducive but not widely disseminated and implemented. Service managers and providers continue to ignore the need of providing reproductive health services for adolescents. Existing Socio-cultural and religious norms are a constraint to the promotion and provision of adolescent-friendly services. Moreover, the few available services are of poor quality and not user-friendly.
The process of decision-making and planning for improving service quality for adolescents is hampered by a lack of correct data that is disaggregated by age and gender. The existing national HMIS does not capture data related to adolescent sexual and reproductive health. Additionally, information and data generated by various stakeholders are normally not shared and properly disseminated.
Our Response
Binti Salama Project: Empowering and Protecting Young Girls
The Binti Salama Project, led by the Nguzo Women
and Youth Foundation, is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering and
safeguarding young girls from marginalized communities and those who are
victims of gender-based violence (GBV) and violence against children (VAC).
Rooted in a commitment to promoting the well-being and dignity of every girl,
this project seeks to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and support
necessary to thrive.
Comprehensive Support for Holistic
Empowerment
At the heart of the Binti Salama Project is a
holistic approach to empowerment. Through variety of educational workshops,
counseling services, and community outreach efforts, the project aims to
address the diverse needs of young girls. These initiatives focus on providing
accurate and up-to-date information on crucial topics such as menstrual hygiene
management, sexual and reproductive health, and life skills development.
Advocacy and Awareness
The Binti Salama Project recognizes the
importance of advocacy and awareness-raising in promoting the rights and
well-being of young girls. Through targeted campaigns on local media and social
networking platforms, the project aims to raise awareness about GBV, VAC, and
the importance of girls' empowerment. By amplifying their voices and advocating
for change, the project seeks to challenge harmful social norms and create a
culture of respect and equality.
Creating Safe Spaces
Creating safe and supportive environments is
essential to the success of the Binti Salama Project. To achieve this, the
project establishes girls' clubs in marginalized communities, providing a safe
space for girls to come together, learn, and support one another. Through
training and mentorship programs, girls develop leadership skills, build
confidence, and form lasting connections with their peers.
Sustainable Impact
The Binti Salama Project is committed to creating sustainable change that will have a lasting impact on the lives of young girls. By empowering them with the knowledge and skills they need to protect themselves and pursue their dreams, the project aims to break the cycle of violence and poverty that often traps marginalized communities. Through its multifaceted approach, the project seeks to create a future where every girl can live with dignity, safety, and hope.
The Nguzo Women and Youth Foundation invites you to join us in our mission to empower and protect young girls through the Binti Salama Project. Together, we can create a world where every girl has the opportunity to thrive, free from violence, discrimination, and inequality.
Kijana Salama Project: Empowering Young Boys for a Safer Tomorrow
The Kijana Salama Project, led by the Nguzo Women and Youth Foundation, is a
pioneering initiative aimed at empowering young boys and creating safe spaces
for them to thrive. By focusing on promoting healthy lifestyles, responsible
behavior, and protecting their Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), this
project aims to shape a generation of young men who are equipped to positively
contribute to their communities.
Comprehensive Support for Holistic Development
The Kijana Salama Project adopts a holistic approach to empower young boys,
addressing their physical, emotional, and social well-being. Through community
mobilization efforts and targeted training, boys are provided with the
knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about their sexual
and reproductive health. These initiatives emphasize the importance of
responsible behavior, respect for others, and healthy relationships.
Creating Safe Spaces
Central to the Kijana Salama Project is the creation of safe and supportive
environments where boys can thrive. Boys clubs are formed within communities,
providing a platform for peer support, mentorship, and positive role modeling.
These clubs offer a variety of activities, including sports and games bonanzas,
concerts, and other recreational events, fostering camaraderie and friendship
among participants.
Promoting Community Engagement
Community engagement is a cornerstone of the Kijana Salama Project. Through
outreach activities and awareness campaigns, the project aims to mobilize
community support for the empowerment of young boys. By involving parents,
guardians, community leaders, and other stakeholders, the project seeks to
create a supportive environment that values and protects the rights of young
boys.
Sustainable Impact
The Kijana Salama Project is committed to creating lasting change that will have a positive impact on the lives of young boys and their communities. By equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to make healthy choices and fulfill their potential, the project aims to break the cycle of violence, poverty, and inequality. Through its multifaceted approach, the project seeks to create a future where every young boy can live with dignity, safety, and hope.
The Nguzo Women and Youth Foundation invites you to join us in our mission to empower young boys through the Kijana Salama Project. Together, we can create a world where every boy has the opportunity to thrive, free from violence, discrimination, and inequality
