Since 2006, Care for Africa has been a catalyst for positive change in Tarime, Tanzania, by empowering women. Through partnerships with local women’s groups like the Bisarwi Mamas, Surubu Mamas, Mtana Mamas, and Komosawa Mamas, we’ve supported countless women in improving their livelihoods and contributing to the betterment of their families and communities.
Diana Butler OAM – CEO
Abdallah Obedi – Country Manager
Rebeka Lucas – Coordinator Empowerment of Women
Women’s economic empowerment is widely recognised by governments, international development institutions, and businesses globally as essential for human progress, thriving economies, and business success. This is why gender equality and women’s economic empowerment are key priorities in the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda
These women have flourished under our guidance and financial assistance. They’ve established successful businesses producing essential goods like:
These entrepreneurial ventures have not only generated income but have also significantly impacted the local schools and communities.
By empowering women, we’re breaking down barriers, unlocking their potential, and creating a more equitable and prosperous future for people in the Tarime communities.
Every woman in the women’s centres has been able to build her own brick house with a tin roof and concrete floor — transitioning from a mud hut with a dirt floor to a safe, dignified home.
Key achievements of the women’s groups:
Keeping Girls in School: The Dignity They Deserve
Many girls in Tarime, Tanzania, miss out on school every month simply because they menstruate. Without access to basic hygiene products and proper sanitation facilities, managing their periods becomes a significant challenge.
Girls miss up to 20% of school days each year because of lack of sanitary products.
Care for Africa is Changing Lives
At Care for Africa, we believe no girl should miss school because of her period. That’s why we’re working to provide reusable menstrual kits, sewn by local women’s groups, to girls in need.
Here’s how your support can make a difference:
Education is Key
Education is a powerful tool that can break the cycle of poverty. By keeping girls in school, we’re empowering them to reach their full potential and build brighter futures for themselves and their families.
Join us in making a difference. Donate today and help girls stay in school!
Together, we can ensure that periods don’t hold girls back from achieving their dreams.
BISARWI MAMAS
SURUBU MAMAS
MTANA MAMAS
KOMOSAWA MAMAS
We have supported the women’s groups by providing the equipment and products needed to make soap. Each woman receives specialist training to learn the skills required to produce high-quality soap. Before this program, soap was scarce and expensive in their communities. Now, it is both accessible and affordable.
The demand has been so great that the women can barely keep up. The Bisarwi Mamas are producing 160 litres of liquid soap annually for the community and our rural school handwashing program, benefiting over 6,000 children across nine community schools. Meanwhile, the Surubu Mamas are making 10,800 long bars of soap each year, further ensuring communities have reliable access to this essential product.
The women of Bisarwi thank Care for Africa for giving us help to change our lives. Care for Africa did not tell us what to do, Care for Africa listened to what we wanted and worked with us to help us to be the best that we can be. We are now set up in business and have had a good education. Before Care for Africa came to help us, we were stuck and we could not support our families properly. We are now becoming self-sufficient and are able to support our families and other community members. We are proud to let you know that we are sponsoring eight orphans that had no homes and were not able to go to school. Our husbands now have a lot of respect for us. Before Care for Africa came along, we had no work and our husbands did not respect us much. We appreciate and thank Care for Africa for all they are doing to make our lives better. Long live Care for Africa.
Volunteer, fundraise or make a donation.
“Haba na Haba Tunaweza” (Little by little we can do it)
Sponsor: The Boat Harbour Craft Group from Boat Harbour, Tasmania “The Ties that Bind Us” led by Barbara Minahan
Chair: Rebeka Lucas
Building coordinator: John Crick (Australian Volunteer) and Abdallah Obedi
“Haba na Haba” was established in 2016 funded by The Boat Harbour Craft Group, Tasmania “The Ties that Bind Us”.
In 2016 a centre was constructed in Bisarwi with hugely enthusiastic participation and drive from the local community. Australian builder-teacher, John Crick, with the assistance from Australian volunteer, Wayne Skipper, worked with the Bisarwi Women and a range of community members, with Abdallah Obedi overseeing the whole project. Together they created the “Haba na Haba” Centre for the Empowerment of Women.
Programs
The women are busy making garments and school clothes for members of the Mtana community and nearby communities. This has become the main source of income for the women. There are currently 21 sewing machines installed for them. Approximately 16 women are using the centre on a daily basis. The women have earned great respect from their husbands and other community members through the development of this program. They have become role models for their peers and families alike (delete). This social enterprise development will ensure a sustainable income stream for families who maintain a strong relationship with the Boat Harbour Craft Group, which is rewarding and beneficial to both groups.
“Amani” (Peace)
Sponsor: Jo Stubbs
Chair: Edward Tagagas
Building coordinator: Abdallah Obedi
The Mtana Women’s Group was initiated and established in 2008 with a group of women in the Mtana community. Through consultation and support from Care for Africa the Mtana Women’s’ Group “Amani” was formed. Their main income was sewing, mending clothes and agriculture. Twenty treadle sewing machines were initially gifted from Care for Africa. The women originally rented a tiny room for two days a week to conduct their business.
Through the sponsorship and funding from Jo Stubbs the 2017 the Centre was completed. Jo is a member of the Boat Harbour Craft Group and is a longstanding Tasmanian supporter and sponsor of Care for Africa.
In another initiative, Care for Africa collaborated with the Tanzanian Government to establish a sunflower oil extraction plant in the Women’s centre. The community impact with this program is estimated as reaching over 30,000 local Mtana and neighbouring people. The Tanzanian Government purchased the plant equipment and provided training sessions for the local people.
We now have a second building for the women and children of Mtana called “Jo’s House of Love”
This is being constructed as a refuge and welcome centre for women and girls of Mtana
Programs
“Wanawake Surubu” (Surubu Women)
Sponsor: The Rotary Club of South Launceston, Tasmania
Chair: Veronica George
Building coordinator: Abdallah Obedi
The successful construction of the Surubu Women’s Centre has just been completed.
Programs
Together we can make a difference.
Join us on our journey to break the cycle of poverty, walking alongside rural communities in the Tarime District of Tanzania.
