Kwa Wazee

Reducing Gender Based Violence and transforming local attitudes for good

UNICEF reports that nearly 3 out of every 10 girls in Tanzania experience at least one incident of sexual violence before the age of 18. In the Kagera region, where HIV prevalence is high, the issue of sexual violence can become more than just the physical and emotional distress that it causes but also another way in which HIV is transmitted.

In their Egmont-supported project, Kwa Wazee is working with village leaders and head teachers at local schools to reduce child abuse. In the community, Kwa Wazee is supporting the creation of Child Protection Committees which aim to reduce the number of cases through community campaigns, addressing deep seated views on gender-based violence through behavioural workshops and bringing perpetrators to justice by providing a reporting and support network for victims.

In schools, Kwa Wazee runs self-protection workshops for girls and “Peace is a Decision” classes for the boys, which teach them to respect and protect the women in their community.