Being a Woman in Tanzania

We work daily with girls growing up without rights. They learn that their brother is the one the family invests in for education. They learn that a calm, compliant girl who does not talk back is a good girl. They learn not to disagree, never to raise their voice. They learn to work hard for nothing, and they learn never to question a man or authority.

They learn that men can do as they wish with them. That if a man wants them, they should simply be grateful and give everything, expecting nothing in return. They are among the strongest people in the world, yet are taught they are worth nothing. They are taught they are women – owned by men and treated accordingly.

We work against this every day, through action, words, for the children, for the adults, by setting examples and by fighting. But a habit so deeply ingrained takes a long time to break. We are their voice – for all the women who are not heard – and we speak for you when we say that no woman should have to feel less worthy than a man, should not have to be afraid, or feel forced to give without receiving. No woman should have to hold back when she feels trampled on, and she should always be seen as valuable, for who she is.

We share no specific story under #metoo – we simply state that the story must now change. For all women, everywhere in the world.