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Story
14 October 2021
Faith Leader Action Groups at the forefront of efforts to end early marriage in Zanzibar
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Story
14 October 2021
Girls in Tanzania need equal access to digital tools and information for an equal future
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Press Release
11 October 2021
UNFPA partners with Finland to shape a more equal future for young women and girls in Tanzania
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Tanzania
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Tanzania:
Publication
08 September 2021
E-Journal: KJP Monitoring Mission by Ambassador of Ireland
Her Excellency Mary O’Neill, the Ambassador of Ireland to the United Republic of Tanzania accompanied by Irish Embassy Programme staff and Ms. Jacqueline Mahon, UNFPA Country Representative conducted a field-monitoring visit to the Kigoma region to check on the progress of implementation of the Irish-funded Kigoma Joint Programme (KJP) activities. The delegation visited various project sites located in Kasulu Town Council, Kasulu District Council and Kigoma Town.
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28 July 2021
Flipflopi completes its historic journey in Tanzania bringing together policy makers and community members to take action against single-use plastics
The Flipflopi dhow sailed into Mwanza, Tanzania early April this year, with a mission to end single-use plastic. The world’s first dhow built entirely from re-purposed waste plastics, including flip-flops aimed to lead a plastic-reuse revolution through education, positive storytelling and campaigns.
Over a four-week period the colourful and innovative dhow travelled across Lake Victoria to visit Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, meeting business leaders, community leaders, conservationists, policy-makers and school children.
The arrival of the Flipflopi in Tanzania, inspired artistry work and virtual webinars featuring youth and civil society organisations, The UN Environment programme, policy makers and the private sector who discussed the impact of plastic pollution on the lake and what we can all do about it.
The dhow was received by Mwanza City Council and a diverse range of local and international partners accompanied by events aimed at beating plastic pollution and tackling marine litter. It also set up plastic waste recycling centres to serve the citizens of the lake. Flip Floppi partnered with the Global Clean seas campaign to deliver a key message on the alarming impact of plastics on oceans and freshwater ecosystems. A recent study from Mwanza estimated that 1 in 5 fish in Lake Victoria had ingested plastic. UNEP informs global populations that some 8 million tonnes of plastic end up in the sea every year, sickening wildlife, clogging fishing nets and sometimes ending up on dinner plates.
The Executive Director for Environmental Management and Economic Development Organization (EMEDO). Ms. Editrudith Lukanga, emphasized, “Plastic pollution and waste do not respect borders. Wherever you live around the lake, we can all play our role to reduce the plastic we throw away, and re-purpose it to bring value to our communities, and save Lake Victoria for future generations”
Lake Victoria supports more than 40 million people and has been under increased pressure from the dramatic effects of climate change and pollution, which has severely impacted the lake and threatens the health and livelihoods of communities.
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Publication
08 September 2021
E-Journal: KJP Steering Committee Meeting & Monitoring Missions
The Kigoma Joint Programme held its 6th Steering Committee meeting co-chaired by the Kigoma Regional Commissioner (RC), Honourable Thobias Andengenye and UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC), Mr. Zlatan Milišić. The meeting was attended by UN Agencies, Government Officials and Development Partners from Embassies of Norway, Ireland and Sweden to review the progress of the Kigoma Joint Programme. During the meeting, the Embassy of Ireland announced an additional disbursement of EURO 4.15 million (approx. Tsh. 11.5 billion) of funding for the UN in Tanzania which will support the Kigoma Joint Programme Health, HIV/AIDS and Nutrition pillar.
The Steering Committee was preceded by monitoring missions to KJP projects in the region by Regional Secretariat, UN and Development Partners.
The Steering Committee was preceded by monitoring missions to KJP projects in the region by Regional Secretariat, UN and Development Partners.
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Story
22 July 2021
UNESCO Assesses the Implementation and Effectiveness of the Re-Entry Policy on Pregnant learners in Zanzibar.
UNESCO commissioned a study to assess the implementation and effectiveness of the Re-Entry Policy on Pregnant learners in Zanzibar, to investigate gaps for intervention and areas for improvement. The two-day meeting included directors from the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training-MoEVT and educational stakeholders.
The guest of honor was Hon. Simai Said, the Minister of Education and Vocational Training in Zanzibar. In his comments, Hon Said urged the ministry to support initiatives that would raise public awareness on the re-entry policy which refers to girls returning to school after giving birth. He added that, “As we are working on this matter, we need to find ways to combat the problem of young people getting pregnant while in school.” According to data from the Registrar of Education, a total of 646 girls became pregnant from 2005 to 2020 in Zanzibar. Within this group, 190 learners were in upper primary level between ages 13 to 16; 452 at Ordinary Secondary and 4 were at the Advance level of secondary education aged 16 to 18.
The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar (RGoZ) reiterated its commitment through highlighting the “Educational policy of 2006” on preventing adolescent girls from getting pregnant and which ensures pregnant school girls return after delivery. Some of the key findings from this assessment revealed there was low awareness and understanding of the Re-entry policy among students, parents, and pregnant adolescent learners. The Ministry of Education has established Inclusive Education and Life Skills Unit and Office of Education Registrar which are key players in the implementation of the policy.
Some key recommendations given to effectively implement the re-entry to school policy include the need to review the existing Education Policy and realign it with the current situation, society demands and findings from the re-entry policy assessment. For example to develop national guidelines for the implementation, conduct needs assessment on what to include, strengthen guidance and counselling services at School, and support multi-sectoral collaboration to promote retention of pregnant girls in schools. Mr. Tirso Dos Santos, the UNESCO Representative to Tanzania said, “UNESCO recognizes and commends government efforts through MoEVT, for putting in place conducive policy environment and structures that facilitate all school age children to enroll and complete their studies.”
The guest of honor was Hon. Simai Said, the Minister of Education and Vocational Training in Zanzibar. In his comments, Hon Said urged the ministry to support initiatives that would raise public awareness on the re-entry policy which refers to girls returning to school after giving birth. He added that, “As we are working on this matter, we need to find ways to combat the problem of young people getting pregnant while in school.” According to data from the Registrar of Education, a total of 646 girls became pregnant from 2005 to 2020 in Zanzibar. Within this group, 190 learners were in upper primary level between ages 13 to 16; 452 at Ordinary Secondary and 4 were at the Advance level of secondary education aged 16 to 18.
The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar (RGoZ) reiterated its commitment through highlighting the “Educational policy of 2006” on preventing adolescent girls from getting pregnant and which ensures pregnant school girls return after delivery. Some of the key findings from this assessment revealed there was low awareness and understanding of the Re-entry policy among students, parents, and pregnant adolescent learners. The Ministry of Education has established Inclusive Education and Life Skills Unit and Office of Education Registrar which are key players in the implementation of the policy.
Some key recommendations given to effectively implement the re-entry to school policy include the need to review the existing Education Policy and realign it with the current situation, society demands and findings from the re-entry policy assessment. For example to develop national guidelines for the implementation, conduct needs assessment on what to include, strengthen guidance and counselling services at School, and support multi-sectoral collaboration to promote retention of pregnant girls in schools. Mr. Tirso Dos Santos, the UNESCO Representative to Tanzania said, “UNESCO recognizes and commends government efforts through MoEVT, for putting in place conducive policy environment and structures that facilitate all school age children to enroll and complete their studies.”
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Story
28 May 2021
From commitment to action: Breaking down barriers to menstrual hygiene management in Kigoma
“It’s difficult to talk about menstruation and sanitary pads openly because it’s not something we do. I try to save money for pads, but if this runs out I use pieces of cloth,” says Bupe.* Pieces of cloth, she adds, that have to be dried out of sight.
She is not alone. Managing menstruation is often challenging for adolescent girls in Tanzania – and around the world – where privacy and access to affordable materials and water to manage periods are often lacking.
Persistent inequalities and perceptions that menstruating is somehow ‘dirty’ or ‘shameful’ can also mean that menstruation and puberty mark the start of restrictions to girls’ mobility and behaviour – a time when their opportunities can radically diminish; a time when they start to miss out.
“I used to miss one week of school every month,” says Glory.* “I didn’t want to shame myself in front of my peers.”
Her narrative is echoed by her friends. The silence and stigma that exists around menstruation continue to disempower girls globally, negatively affecting their education and health. But in Kasulu District, Kigoma Region, Tanzania, this is changing.
Empowering girls
Today, as Menstrual Hygiene Day is commemorated around the globe, with a call for increased investments and action to realize the collective vision of a world where women and girls can manage their menstruation with dignity and respect, UNFPA handed over-improved latrines that have been built at 10 primary schools in Irish Aid-supported Ujana Wangu Nguvu Yangu – My Youth, My Power – project districts in Kigoma. The latrines include a dedicated changing room for girls with an attached incinerator for the disposal of used sanitary pads.
Five thousand Dignity Kits, complete with reusable sanitary pad, were also distributed to school girls attending the celebrations, in tandem with menstrual hygiene education sessions – over 10,000 pads have been distributed since the project began in 2018.
Asma,* one of the recipients of the Dignity Kits, and a student at KumKata primary school, could barely hide her delight. She described the kit, and access to period-friendly sanitation facilities at her school, as “a golden opportunity”; a chance to compete as an equal with her male peers. “The drums are roaring for the girls of Kigoma now,” she added with a smile.
Committed to change
Over 10,000 girls and boys have attended education sessions on menstrual hygiene management (MHM) in the five Ujana project districts since 2018. They are now championing efforts to spread the message that menstruation is a normal and healthy part of life. Extensive advocacy with school committees, teachers, parents and caretakers for period-friendly sanitation facilities in schools has also secured commitment for the replication of the 10 latrines built under the project at more schools in the future.
Leaving no one behind is the central, transformative promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and although there is no specific goal or indicator related to menstrual hygiene, ensuring that all women and girls can manage their periods with dignity is integral to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 – good health and well-being – and SDG5 – gender equality and women’s empowerment – as well as several others.
UNFPA in Tanzania will continue to support efforts to build sustainable and effective MHM programmes that expand access to affordable and environmentally-friendly menstrual products and period-friendly facilities and bust myths that periods are a problem, so that girls in Kigoma – and across Tanzania – are not held back and do not miss school, but are empowered to compete as equals and realize their potential and aspirations – period!
Names have been changed.*
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Story
14 October 2021
Girls in Tanzania need equal access to digital tools and information for an equal future
Digital technologies are fuelling explosive growth, innovation and connection around the world. But these tools are also creating new kinds of inequalities. In Tanzania, as in many countries, girls have less access than boys to the internet and digital tools, including smartphones, and as a result, what they could achieve, their gifts, vision, ingenuity and the passion they could offer to the world is lost.
Information that empowers
In Tanzania, 69,0001 girls become pregnant every year at a time when they should be in school, learning and gaining the skills which will allow them to flourish as they move into adulthood. Gender inequalities, including violence, poverty and a lack of access to age-appropriate sexual and reproductive health education, information and services intersect to fuel teenage pregnancies and deny girls of their potential – digital tools can help fill the gaps.
“We find that girls become more open to discussing the challenges they face after watching Harakati za Ngeti - Ngeti’s Movement,” says Debora Maboya, Head of Operations and Programmes at Tai Tanzania. “Girls need to be able to access non-judgemental sexual and reproductive health information and education that they can relate to.”
Nawez'a educational journey is threatened by a marriage arranged by her parents, but she shows that she has the power to fight for her rights
Tai Tanzania is revolutionizing the way sexual and reproductive health education is taught both in and out of school across Tanzania through 3D animation, tackling the challenges and inequalities that continue to impinge on young girls’ rights and choices including gender-based violence and harmful practices, such as female genital mutilation, early, child and forced marriage and adolescent pregnancy. Each animation uses an instantly recognizable female role model, and while she may not have all the answers for adolescents, she is a source of both information and inspiration for her audience.
“Ngeti, our animated girl character, speaks out loud about the difficulties the girls who are watching are experiencing,” says Shalom Milele, a videographer and animator at Tai. “It gives them the confidence and hope to fight for their rights.”
More than 3 million young people have watched the animations online since Tai Tanzania launched the series in 2017, and a further 8,000 young people have been reached through sessions that allow them to discuss and ask questions about issues raised in the films.
Creating a safe and accessible digital world
UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, in Tanzania is supporting young entrepreneurs to harness technology and their creativity to expand access to accurate and age-appropriate sexual and reproductive health information, education and services, through the AMUA Accelerator, a public private partnership. Since 2017, eight teams of young people, with an equal representation of young women, have been supported with seed funding and mentoring to launch their apps, including one that simultaneously translates sign language into text and vice versa so that health workers and persons with hearing impairments can communicate effectively.
“We recognize the power of young girls in Tanzania in today’s digital world,” says Deborah. “Tai are also providing a space at our studios where girls can get experience and training in the digital creation of 3D animation videos.”
On 11 October, on International Day of the Girl, with its national theme “Digital Generation Our Generation – “Kizazi cha kidigitali. Kizazi chetu”, UNFPA celebrates girls in Tanzania, like Deborah and Shalom, who are not only using digital tools, but creating them to close the gender gap, and remain committed to creating a digital world that is accessible and safe for all, allowing girls to build a better future.
1 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey 2015/16.
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Story
14 October 2021
Faith Leader Action Groups at the forefront of efforts to end early marriage in Zanzibar
Sheikh Is-haka Vuai is the Secretary of the Zanzibar Imams Association (JUMAZA) and also the Secretary of the North A District Faith Leaders Gender-Based Violence Action Group, which has been championing efforts to end violence and harmful practices against women and girls on the isles over the last two years. He openly opposes early marriage in his community – not an easy role he says.
“About six of my Madrassa [Islamic religious school] students between the ages of 15 to 17 dropped out of school over a period of less than five months,” he recalls. “They not only lost the opportunity to get a religious education, but also lost the opportunity to build their future through school education, which was cut short because of the marriage.” What saddened him even further, he adds, was that one of the students returned home less than four months after being married, pregnant, alone, and without any way of supporting herself or her child.
Changing minds and attitudes
Early marriage is a sensitive issue – 18 percent of Zanzibari girls are married before the age of 18 with nearly 3.5 percent of these girls married before the age of 15.[1] Sheikh Is-haka and his fellow faith leaders, are conducting extensive outreach in communities and since July 2021, the North A District Action Group has engaged with over 2,730 people, including men and community leaders, at Madrassas, schools, community gatherings, and Mosques. Their message is clear – early marriage has adverse psychological and health impacts on girls, has negative impacts on the economy and sustainable development, and is not acceptable under any circumstances.
“Our main focus is on the health risks, which include maternal and child mortality, and the negative impacts on girls who cannot realize their dreams. If the marriage fails, without an education a girl really has no future,” says Sheikh Is-haka Vuai.
UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, in support of the Revolutionary Government’s National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children (2017-2022), has been partnering with faith leaders in Zanzibar for several years. There are now 11 Faith Leader Gender-Based Violence Action Groups in Zanzibar, one in every district, whose members are working tirelessly to tackle the discrimination and gender inequalities that continue to impact on women and girls’ rights, choices and ability to realize their potential.
A better and more equal future
Today, UNFPA announced the launch of a three and a half year programme – “Chaguo Langu Haki Yangu – My Choice My Rights”, funded by the Embassy of Finland. The programme will focus on empowering young women and adolescent girls to uphold their right to live free from violence and harmful practices, including female genital mutilation and child marriage. Project activities will focus on Mara and Shinyanga Regions, mainland Tanzania, and Zanzibar. UNFPA will leverage its existing partnership with faith leaders under the project to continue driving efforts to end violence against women and girls and child marriage in Zanzibar.
The news is welcomed by the District Faith Leaders Gender-Based Violence Action Groups who say their campaign will not stop until violence and harmful practices against women and girls end.
“We have seen some encouraging progress over the last few years,” says Sheikh Is-haka Vuai, “And I have high hopes that if these efforts are sustained then violence and harmful practices against women and girls, including early marriage, will not only be significantly reduced, but eliminated altogether.” Ali Hamad.
[1] 2015. Population Council. The Adolescent Experience In-Depth: Using Data to Identify and Reach the Most Vulnerable Young People.
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14 September 2021
UN Deputy Secretary-General reaffirms UN’s support to Tanzania and SDGs
The United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Ms. Amina J. Mohammed, has reaffirmed the UN’s support to working with the Government and people of Tanzania to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the country’s national development priorities.
At the State House in Chamwino in Dodoma region, Ms. Mohammed met with the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Samia Suluhu Hassan, where she conveyed greetings from UN Secretary-General António Guterres. She also congratulated President Samia on becoming the first female president of Tanzania and wished her well in her duties.
On her side, President Hassan congratulated Ms. Mohammed on her recent reappointment for a second term in the position of Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and assured her of further cooperation, as the UN, through its various agencies, is a valued development partner in the country.
President Hassan told the Deputy Secretary-General that the government continues to improve the business and investment environment in the country, whereby in the last three months the number of investors has increased.
In their conversation, Ms. Mohammed assured President Hassan that the UN would continue to support her government in various efforts to bring development to Tanzania, including achieving the SDGs.
She also praised Tanzania’s efforts against the COVID 19 pandemic. She said the United Nations continues to ensure equitable access to vaccines and continued discussions with financial institutions to see how they can help developing countries cope with the pandemic.
The UN Deputy Secretary also pledged to support the government’s phase 6 efforts to improve maternal and child health services and clean and safe water access.
In her short visit, the Deputy Secretary-General also addressed the UN Tanzania System. She congratulated different agencies working in the country and insisted on an increased presence of UN activities at the grassroots.
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08 September 2021
Enhancing Partnerships to End GBV in Kigoma
In Tanzania, UN Women is intensifying its efforts to enhance partnerships in the fight to end violence against women and girls in the Kigoma Region. In collaboration with the Kigoma Regional Office, UN Women organized a stakeholders’ dialogue meeting to facilitate discussions on improving partnerships in the fight against gender-based violence.
A total of 61 per cent of women aged 15-49 in Kigoma have experienced sexual or emotional violence perpetrated by their husband or partner, with 33.4 per cent suffering violence in the 12-months preceding the Demographic and Health survey of 2015/16.
UN Women is one of the 16 UN agencies working in the Kigoma Region through the UN Kigoma Joint Program. The programme is providing support to refugees and host communities to foster co-existence, improve development, and ensure peace and stability. The UN agencies are collaborating across seven thematic areas including ending violence against women and children, youth and women’s economic empowerment, education with a focus on young women and girls, agriculture and development of local markets, health and HIV, and nutrition.
The stakeholders’ dialogue aimed to support government’s efforts through the National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children (NPA-VAWC), which drives UN Women’s Ending Violence Against Women (EVAW) programme.
It was attended by 63 participants drawn from the Kigoma Regional Secretariat’s office, social workers, legal experts, the media, psychologists, the Elders Initiative, and representatives of local and international non-governmental organisations – all based in Kigoma. Discussions evolved around crafting strategies to improve collaboration, coordination, communication, monitoring of activities, and evaluation of the programme’s impact.
The EVAW Programme Specialist, Ms. Lucy Tesha, said stakeholders agreed on developing a joint work plan to improve partnerships and promote joint implementation. “Given the need for activities to speak to one another, prevent duplication of efforts, and maximise utilization of limited resources, a joint work plan will help all stakeholders to know and understand the work being done, as well as support reporting and collection of data for monitoring and evaluation,” Ms. Tesha said.
She further explained that, in one of EVAW programme strategies, UN Women is working through Gender Forums to gather views that are helping to improve the gender-responsive implementation of the EVAW programme. “Stakeholders identified the need to further expand these Gender Forums in all communities to reach more women and girls and other strategic partners, such as the media and school-teachers.”
She said by bringing the forums much closer to the local communities, more women and girls can participate in the discussions, while encouraging teachers to support education on GBV in schools, in addition to improving relations with the media as they capture discussions to raise awareness.
Ms. Tesha said the majority of participants also called on establishing feedback mechanisms in schools, marketplaces, and public transport depots to improve reporting of GBV cases. “Participants also called on measures to help improve the quality of interventions through strengthening of support to survivors at family and community level, management of cases at the police gender and children’s desks, access to legal aid and health services, and timely delivery of justice for women and girls,” she said.
On his part, the Kigoma Regional Community Development Officer and focal person on GBV prevention, Mr. Msafiri Nzurunuri, reiterated the need for concerted efforts by all stakeholders in the region to align activities with the National Strategy and Guidelines on the Prevention of VAWC and the Regional Communications Plan.
“The Regional Communications Plan includes key messages, which all actors should use in their advocacy work for us to have the same position and narratives,” said Mr. Nzurunuri.
He advocated for a bottom-up communication approach working through community dialogues and ensuring that community members become drivers of implementing solutions discussed and agreed on during public discussions.
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08 September 2021
UN Women and Govt Training to Improve Delivery of Psycho-Social and GBV Services
In Arusha, UN Women and the Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elders and Children co-organized the first Training of Trainers that focused on highlighting the need to incorporate gender dimensions in mental health, gender-based violence, and psychosocial support services.
This week-long training aimed to build the capacity of trainers to effectively provide gender-responsive essential services for survivors of gender-based violence, offer mental health and psycho-social support, and address the various needs of women, girls, men and boys, and their communities affected by the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A total of 33 social welfare officers and psychologists from the Ministry of Health, Institute of Social Work, Tanzania Social Workers Association, Segerea Correctional Services, and community development and health care workers participated in the workshop.
According to the UN Women Programme Specialist for Ending Violence Against Women (EVAW), Ms. Lucy Tesha, providing GBV, mental health and psychosocial support is a critical life-saving service during the COVID-19 response as it ensures psychological wellbeing of patients, families, and care providers.
“Through effective service provision, psychosocial challenges such as fear, stigma, and social exclusion are reduced. Survivors of gender-based violence can receive counselling support and referred for other services such as health and legal aid,” Ms. Tesha said.
In the last five years, the Government of Tanzania has made significant progress in increasing coverage and access to psychosocial care and GBV services, working with various partners, including UN Agencies, the private sector, and other non-governmental organizations. The COVID-19 emergency has further necessitated multi-stakeholder collaboration to expand prevention and response efforts through the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Pillar of the COVID-19 National Response Task Team.
The Training of Trainers facilitated the development of a new Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support training manual, which is going to help address the gaps in the delivery of mental health and gender-based violence essential services. The Head of the Mental Health and Substance Use Division of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Shadrack Buswelu Makubi, said the partnership will support trainers to impart skills to other service providers for improved handling of cases.
“For example, as they deliver essential services, we would like the trainers to support others to be able to identify the symptoms of mental health including excessive paranoia, anxiety, sadness, mood swings, and poor sleeping habits,” Dr. Makubi said. He further explained the need to segment groups of people based on their level of vulnerability and gender, and to understand the associated factors and risks for them to know how to respond and care for different conditions.
“Importantly, we would also like this training to do more in terms of improving handling of gender-based violence cases, as GBV is one of the primary causes of mental health challenges among women and girls,” Dr. Makubi said.
He shared some strategies to help improve handling of cases including conducting gender-sensitive and non-judgmental discussions with families and survivors of gender-based violence, and with other groups of people seeking psycho-social support. He emphasized strengthening partnerships with families of survivors. “Partnering with families will ensure that treatment and support continues well beyond the services delivered in care facilities. It is important that the family does not blame the survivor to ensure a positive response to treatment and recovery,” he said.
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Press Release
14 October 2021
UNFPA partners with Finland to shape a more equal future for young women and girls in Tanzania
Notwithstanding the progress and commitment by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to tackle gender inequalities, gender-based violence remains a daily reality for many women. At the same time adolescence is also a period of increased vulnerabilities for girls. Nationally one in 10 women are subjected to FGM in Tanzania, despite its criminalization, with Mara region reporting one of the highest FGM prevalence rates in the country at 32 percent. More than half of adolescent girls are married by the age of 18 in Mara and Shinyanga regions. Driven by persistent discriminatory norms, gender-based violence and harmful practices deny women and girls their rights, choices and chances to thrive, and are barriers to the realization of national and global development goals and sustainable and inclusive development.
“Every young woman and girl has within her possibilities that should flourish as she moves into adulthood, shaping her future and, with it, the world,” said Jacqueline Mahon, UNFPA Representative in Tanzania. “UNFPA is committed to eliminating the obstacles that stand in the way of women and girls’ voices, choices, consent and equality. Their rights must be at centre of the better and more equal world we have collectively promised to deliver.”
In Mara and Shinyanga regions, UNFPA will build girls' and young women’s agency to uphold their rights to live free from violence, and realize their potential, by leveraging existing structures, including Adolescent Girls Clubs, and initiatives such as Alternative Rites of Passage to FGM. In Zanzibar, the project will partner with faith-based leaders, who have been working with UNFPA as champions of ending gender-based violence for several years. Young women and girls, including persons with disabilities, will drive programme activities, identifying community needs and solutions, while commitment to uphold young women and girls’ rights in project districts will be harnessed through extensive outreach at UNFPA-supported Community Knowledge Centres.
Police Gender and Children’s Desks and One Stop Centres, that provide survivors of justice with comprehensive support and protection services, duty bearers’ capacity, and national polices and laws that uphold women and girls’ rights will all be strengthened. The UNFPA-supported Jumuishi – Inclusion – database in Zanzibar will also be expanded to collect and analyse data on gender-based violence and harmful practices among persons living with disabilities in Shinyanga and Mara Regions, to ensure project activities meet the unique needs of this marginalized population.
Gender equality is a fundamental value and goal of the Finnish Foreign Policy. Finnish Ambassador Ms. Riitta Swan said: “When young women and girls cannot exercise their rights, including their right to live free from violence, their potential is squandered and economic growth and inclusive development suffer. We must work together, and do more and do it better, including with persons with disabilities, to deliver on our vision of a future where all young women and girls can live in peace, freedom and equality, reaching the furthest behind first and leaving no one behind.” With this new programme, Finland aims to ensure that women and girls, including those with disabilities, will be able to participate more fully in society and live free from violence.
The My Choice My Rights programme will support the coordination and implementation of the Five-Year National Plans of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children, in both the Tanzania mainland (2016/17-2021/22) and Zanzibar (2017-2022), and will be implemented in collaboration with the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, including local government authorities.
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Press Release
06 October 2021
Norway tops up support to communities in Kigoma by over TZS 9 billion
This additional contribution brings Norway’s total support to the KJP since its launch in 2017 to 307 million NOK (over USD 35 million). Reflecting on the achievements and contribution of the programme to the region, Hon. Thobias Andengenye, Kigoma Regional Commissioner recently shared that he believed that KJP and other developmental interventions supported the region to make such remarkable progress in such a short time. When the programme started in 2017, Kigoma was the last region in socio-economic indicators in the country. As of last year (2020), during the latest review, Kigoma managed to outperform 5 regions in developmental aspects, he noted.
With support from Norway, the KJP has helped to improve the lives and develop the skills of local communities in the region. For instance, the percentage of households with improved toilets has increased from 27.4% (in 2017) to 49.3% (in 2021) while water coverage has improved from 56% (in 2017) to 63% (in 2021).
In the area of agriculture, the KJP has supported over 18,000 farmers (60% of whom are women) by enhancing their capacities in good agricultural practices, climate-smart agriculture, post-harvest handling, financial literacy and standard operating procedures for newly constructed storage warehouses. Consequently, yield production (of maize and beans) has increased by 400% among farmers who have applied the new skills and approaches they have learned.
Additionally, support provided to social protection officers in preventing and responding to incidences of violence against women and children (VAWC) has resulted in more survivors of violence receiving the necessary support that they need. The number of cases of violence managed by social protection officers has increased for women from 0 (in 2017) to 2,473 (in 2021) and for children from 122 (in 2017) to 1,915 (in 2021). Norway’s support to the KJP has also enabled government authorities in the Kigoma region to pilot the ‘safe houses’ approach to responding to VAWC. This approach has been recognized as a good practice and led to the launch of the ‘2020 Guidelines for the Establishment and Management of safe houses’ allowing for the practice to be replicated nationwide.
Furthermore, Norway’s support to the KJP has enabled the integration of youth and women's economic empowerment interventions in the regional and local government authorities’ plans and priorities. It has also enhanced the capacities of about 14,000 youth and women entrepreneurs which has resulted in an increase in their productivity, value addition, access to finance and access to markets.
The additional resources from Norway provided for the year 2021-2022 will enable the UN to build on these and other results that have been achieved through the KJP.
Speaking during the ceremony, H.E Elizabeth Jacobsen, Ambassador of Norway to Tanzania underlined that “Norway and Tanzania have a long history of partnership and development cooperation. This cooperation has reached many regions and has contributed to significant improvements over more than 50 years. It is key for Norway to support Tanzania’s long-lasting commitment to hosting those fleeing from conflict and disaster in neighbouring countries. In Kigoma region, we aim to support those communities hosting refugees and contribute to their development, which is key to promoting peace and stability.”
On behalf of the UN Tanzania, Mr. Zlatan Milisic thanked Norway for their continued support: “We thank the people and Government of Norway for this generous contribution and in particular for their continued support to the One UN Fund which allows the UN to use funds efficiently and effectively and prioritize those activities that are most critical to improving the lives of the communities in Kigoma region”. He also thanked the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and communities in Kigoma for hosting refugees and supporting refugee operations.
Note to Editors:
Norway’s contribution will be channeled through the Tanzania One Fund, which is a fund established for UN agencies in the country to help implement the United Nations Development Assistance Plan 2016-2022 (UNDAP II).
The Kigoma Joint Programme is an area-based UN joint programme that cuts across multiple sectors aimed to improve development and human security in Kigoma. The programme involves 16 different UN Agencies and was developed in cooperation with the regional and district authorities based on the development needs of Kigoma region which currently hosts about 264,000 refugees and asylum seekers. The 16 participating UN agencies are cooperating across 7 themes which are Youth and Women’s Economic Empowerment; Violence against Women and Children; WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene); Agriculture; Sustainable Energy and Environment; Education with a focus on girls and adolescent girls; and Health, HIV and Nutrition. Norway has been contributing to the first four pillars. The implementation of the programme commenced in July 2017 and is expected to end in June, 2022.
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For more information, please contact:
Bjørn Midthun
Minister Counsellor
Royal Norwegian Embassy
Mobile: 0782 777 002
Office: Royal Norwegian Embassy, Dar es Salaam
Website: www.norway.no/en/tanzania
Facebook: Norway in TZ
Twitter: @NorAmbTZ
Mr. Evance Siangicha
UN Area Coordinator – Kigoma Region
United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Tanzania
Mobile: +255 768 041 185Website: tanzania.un.org
Facebook: United Nations Tanzania
Twitter: @UnitedNationsTZ
Instagram: @unitednations_tz
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Press Release
27 July 2021
The Secretary General Video Message to Food Systems Pre - Summit
I am pleased to send greetings to this important meeting to prepare for the Food Systems Summit.
We are at a pivotal moment.
We are seriously off track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Poverty, income inequality and the high cost of food continue to keep healthy diets out of the reach of some 3 billion people.
Climate change and conflict are both consequences and drivers of this catastrophe.
Up to 811 million people faced hunger in 2020 – as many as 161 million more than in 2019, not least due to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic, which still assails us, has highlighted the links between inequality, poverty, food, disease and our planet.
Our war against nature includes a food system that generates one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions.
And the same food system is responsible for up to 80 per cent of biodiversity loss.
Yet, there is hope.
Since my initial call for this Summit, you have responded with energy, ideas and a willingness to forge new partnerships.
At this Pre-Summit, we can define the scope of our collective ambition and strengthen our efforts to achieve all 17 SDGs by transforming our food systems.
I thank you for your work so far in making this both a “People’s Summit” and a “Solutions Summit”.
Your leadership will help set a tone for the Decade of Action and an equitable and sustainable recovery from COVID-19.
I look forward to welcoming you to New York in September.
Thank you.
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Press Release
16 July 2021
Message on Nelson Mandela International Day
Madiba’s calls for solidarity and an end to racism are particularly relevant today, as social cohesion around the world is threatened by division.
Societies are becoming more polarized, with hate speech on the rise and misinformation blurring the truth, questioning science and undermining democratic institutions.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has made these ills more acute and rolled back years of progress in the global fight against poverty.
As always in times of crises, it is the marginalized and discriminated against who suffer the most, often while being blamed for problems they did not cause.
The pandemic has shown the vital importance of human solidarity and unity, values championed and exemplified by Nelson Mandela in his lifelong fight for justice.
No one is safe until all are safe. And each of us has a part to play.
Let us be inspired by Madiba’s message that each of us can make a difference in promoting peace, human rights, harmony with nature and dignity for all.
Let us all honour Madiba’s call to action and be empowered by his legacy.
[END]
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Press Release
07 July 2021
Sweden gives UN extra USD 6.4 million for development activities in Tanzania
The agreement, which was launched today by Ambassador of Sweden to Tanzania, H.E. Anders Sjöberg and Acting UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Christine Musisi, will enable the UN to take forward its work for the social and economic development of women, children and youth, promotion of inclusive economic growth and employment, and strengthening democratic governance, human rights and gender equality in Tanzania.
With the latest contribution, Sweden’s overall support to the UN Tanzania under its current strategic document, the UN Development Assistance Plan II (2016-2022), is over USD 40 million. This generous support has been instrumental in enabling the UN to assist the governments on the mainland and Zanzibar at national and local levels to enhance policy and planning frameworks on a number of key developmental issues. It has also enabled the UN to support functioning of local businesses with viable and inclusive value chains generating employment, especially for women and young people, and ensuring their active and meaningful participation in the economy.
In partnership with the Government, UN agencies have been working to strengthen measures for improved accountability, transparency, and gender responsiveness, including access to justice and opportunities for citizen engagement. As a result of UN’s support, women and girls on both the mainland and in Zanzibar have benefitted from increased opportunities to hold leadership positions in political and public life at national and sub-national levels.
Through UN’s engagement with a range of partners in support to the five-year National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children (NPA), more women and children have access to and are better served by a national protection system that prevents and responds to all forms of violence and harmful practices. Multisectoral protection mechanisms are operational and are helping to address violence and protection needs at district, ward and village levels.
Highlighting Sweden’s commitment to Tanzania’s social and economic development, Ambassador Sjöberg said that Sweden has prioritized supporting UN activities that focus on the country’s development objectives in the areas of women’s rights, democratic governance and economic growth, leaving no one behind. “For Sweden to ‘leave no one behind is both a prerequisite and a goal for inclusive sustainable development. Equality and inclusion are at the centre of our development agenda. Sweden prioritizes strengthening the rights, representation, and access to resources for women and other vulnerable groups because it is a vital component for building a growing, resilient, and democratic society,” he said.
Reiterating their continued support to Tanzania and the UN, Ambassador Sjöberg also reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to the UN Secretary-General’s reforms and recognized the added value that UN agencies can bring to the table by working in a coordinated approach in close collaboration with the Government, development partners, and civil society.
Speaking on behalf of the UN system in Tanzania, Acting UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Christine Musisi, thanked both the government and the people of Sweden for their sustained support. She pointed out that Sweden has been a dependable development partner for the UN and Tanzania. “Sweden has been a strong partner of Tanzania and the UN for many decades. We thank them for their support which will enable UN agencies to continue working with the Government and other stakeholders in support of achieving national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” she said.
Ms. Musisi added that “This contribution will support the UN’s work across a broad range of areas such as promoting decent employment opportunities for Tanzanians, advancing good governance principles and women’s leadership in politics as well as preventing violence against women and children.”
Note to Editors:
Sweden’s contribution will be channelled through the Tanzania One Fund, which is a fund established for UN agencies in the country to help implement the United Nations Development Assistance Plan 2016-22 (UNDAP II). Since the launch of the UNDAP II, Sweden has contributed over USD 40 million.
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