Unleashing Community Potential in Ending Violence Against Women and Children

WFTT has empowered Shinyanga communities to develop and implement solutions through projects tailored to their unique contexts, ensuring sustainability both during and after the projects’ lifespan.

This is because addressing violence against women and children is a multifaceted challenge that demands innovative and community-driven solutions. Community prototypes—tailored models and practices designed to address specific local needs—can play a crucial role in creating safer environments and fostering a culture of respect and support.

To ensure effective implementation of prototypes at community level, RAFIKI SDO, through its project “TUWALEE” that is funded by WFTT, is working to amplify community voices. This effort challenges harmful traditions, norms, and values that perpetuate violence and promotes those that support well-being.

Some of the approaches used in the project include empowering women and girls, promoting child participation, and engaging men in the process. As part of its implementation, the project recently conducted positive parenting sessions for parents and guardians, as well as male dialogue sessions for fatherhood discussions.

These sessions were aimed at reshaping community attitudes and perceptions regarding parenting and family care. This intervention contributed to a prototype called, “Fostering Positive Family Relationships,” which envisions increasing family time among members as a way to nurture the younger generation.

It seeks to revive the old Sukuma custom known as "Shikome," which traditionally brought families together to discuss their lives and plans. So far, the sessions have reached 118 women, 92 men, 90 young women, and 60 young men across seven villages in the Ilola and Usule wards in Shinyanga DC

The sessions has helped participants to gain a deeper understanding of their roles in ensuring the well-being of their children, leading to a noticeable reduction in violence at home and within the community.

Some noticeable changes include improved parent-child communication, decreased family conflicts, and less harsh discipline toward children. For instance, some households now hold family meetings to address conflicts, and children have reported these positive changes during their Junior Council sessions in schools.

Additionally, there has been a marked increase in male involvement in child-rearing. Men are now more actively participating in parenting tasks, such as accompanying their wives to clinics during pregnancy.

“Previously, I avoided walking with my pregnant wife to the clinic because I feared mockery from other men. The parenting sessions opened my eyes to the importance of family time and care. Now, I proudly support my wife and take joy in our shared responsibilities.”explained Shida Doto, session beneficiary

These positive outcomes highlight the transformative impact of community-driven prototypes in addressing violence against women and children. By fostering engagement and commitment at local level, these initiatives are making meaningful strides towards safer and more supportive communities.