The Tanzanian government has initiated the Pamoja Project, an initiative aimed at broadening economic opportunities for women and preventing violence against women and children. The project coordinator, Ms Adventina Ilunga, stated that the project was introduced in response to the increasing prevalence of violence in communities, with poverty among women identified as a contributing factor. The project aims to economically empower women through access to affordable loans, increasing their financial independence and reducing abuse and violence.
As part of the Pamoja Project, a total of 184 childcare centres will be constructed in 40 councils, with 80 centres to be built in the first year. This will enable women engaged in economic activities to leave their children in safe environments. Ms Ilunga said that the centres will address challenges related to child safety and care, allowing parents and guardians to continue with their economic activities. The project also includes the construction of 10 safe houses, one in each region.
The Pamoja Project will be implemented in 10 regions and 40 councils, with the goal of expanding economic opportunities and strengthening the fight against gender-based violence. The project coordinator emphasized that the initiative is not just a construction project, but a national investment aimed at stimulating development and expanding economic opportunities for citizens. The project will also provide loans to women, youth, and people with disabilities to establish and expand economic activities.
In Mwanza Region, the local government has set aside 11.3 billion Tanzanian shillings for women, youth, and people with disabilities. The region has already started implementing the Pamoja Project in several councils, including Sengerema, Misungwi, Magu, and Ukerewe. The councils have opened application windows for loan applications from women's groups, with a total of 330 women's groups in Magu Council, 110 in Ukerewe, 204 in Sengerema, and 105 in Misungwi.
The Mwanza Regional Administrative Secretary, Dr Fatma Mganga, revealed that the councils are continuing with loan disbursement procedures, including receiving and assessing applications from groups of women, youth, and people with disabilities. In the 2025/2026 financial year, a total of 8.8 billion Tanzanian shillings was provided to 226 women's groups, while youth groups received 4.6 billion Tanzanian shillings, and groups of people with disabilities received 675 million Tanzanian shillings.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Mr Eliakim Maswi, emphasized that the government expects to see the results of investments under the Pamoja Project. He stressed that Local Government Authorities should set aside land for the implementation of the projects and ensure that the allocated facilities are managed and used effectively.
The Pamoja Project aims to strengthen economic opportunities for women and prevent and eliminate violence against women and children in communities. The project will provide a platform for women to access affordable loans, childcare services, and safe houses, ultimately improving their livelihoods and reducing poverty and violence.
Key points
- The Pamoja Project aims to construct 184 childcare centres in 40 councils.
- The project will provide loans to women, youth, and people with disabilities to establish and expand economic activities.
- The initiative is expected to stimulate development and expand economic opportunities for citizens in 10 regions.
