Our Approaches

With unwavering determination, a focused outlook, and empathy at our core, we actively intervene, educate, and advocate to eradicate violence against women.

Our Work to Prevent Violence Against Women

Capacity Building​

WiLDAF transforms communities by building the capacity of individuals and institutions to defend women’s rights and advance gender equality. We train policymakers to mainstream gender and champion women’s rights, while fostering a broad network of gender justice champions—from grassroots organizers to members of parliament—who embody our vision. We equip paralegals with expert legal training to deliver critical legal aid. Our dynamic ‘Training of Trainers’ programs on gender-based violence (GBV) and women’s rights advocacy strengthen both personal leadership and institutional accountability. Through targeted training and mentorship, we amplify women’s voices, nurture feminist leadership, and drive economic and social empowerment.

Networking And Coalition Building

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Networking and movement building are central to WiLDAF’s feminist approach to advancing women’s rights and gender justice. We believe that collective power drives lasting change. Through vibrant networks and coalitions, we create spaces to exchange knowledge, spark policy dialogue, and mobilize communities around dismantling gender inequalities. By investing in solidarity and collective organizing, we strengthen the voices of women and gender justice activists, enhance peer learning, and amplify advocacy for transformative reforms. As a networking organization, WiLDAF leads and contributes to powerful coalitions including the GBV MKUKI Coalition, CSO Women Directors Forum, and KIKUHAMI that embody feminist solidarity, challenge oppressive systems, and build momentum for gender equality and women’s empowerment. Our collaborative, movement-centered approach ensures that advocacy is not only inclusive but also transformative, shifting power towards women in all their diversities.

Communication And Advocacy For Legal Rights For Women

WiLDAF, in collaboration with our network members and government partners, works relentlessly to review, enact, and transform laws and policies so they are gender-sensitive, inclusive, and uphold women’s rights. We have successfully contributed to significant legal reforms in Tanzania, including:

  • Enactment of the Legal Aid Act No. 1 of 2017, which expanded people’s access to free legal services.
  • Revisions to the Political Parties Act (CAP 258, R.E. 2019) and the National Elections Act (CAP 343, Revised 2015) to strengthen women’s political participation and protect their rights in electoral processes.
  • Advocacy that shaped the reviews of the Law of Marriage Act (1971) and the Customary Laws of Inheritance (1963) toward removing discriminatory provisions, such as allowing girls under 18 to marry, and ensuring women, widows, and girls have equal inheritance rights.
  • Ratification of international/regional instruments like ILO Convention No. 190 (2019) on violence and harassment in the world of work.
  • Development and operationalization of gender desks in higher and middle learning institutions, giving women and girls safe, accessible spaces to report gender-based violence.

Beyond reforming laws, we use strategic communication through public hearings, policy submissions, media engagement to challenge harmful norms, shift public attitudes, and ensure that the implementation of these laws is monitored and enforced. These reforms not only protect legal rights but also catalyze social change, turning law into lived justice for women and girls across Tanzania.

Awareness Creation On Gender Based Violence

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WiLDAF is on a mission to ignite community consciousness about women’s rights through robust sensitization and awareness campaigns. By empowering communities with knowledge, we aim to foster proactive responses and safeguard women’s human rights, cultivating a culture of zero tolerance towards gender-based violence (GBV) and nurturing healthy, non-violent relationships. Central to our efforts is a drive to reshape citizens’ mindsets regarding norms, beliefs, and values that perpetuate GBV, while championing equality and equity between women and men.

Our GBV-VAWC Campaigns and Forums:

  1. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign:

WiLDAF proudly spearheads the renowned 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence in Tanzania. This groundbreaking campaign serves as a rallying cry, uniting communities, government bodies, activists, civil society, and other stakeholders in a collective endeavor to eradicate VAWC and promote gender equality. Since 1996, WiLDAF has led and coordinated this transformative campaign in Tanzania, commemorating it annually from November 25th to December 10th.

  1. Organizing Forums on Women’s Human Rights:
  • African Women’s Day:

A celebration of African women’s indomitable spirit in the 1ight for freedom, equality, justice, and empowerment. For the past decade, WiLDAF has marked this significant day with fervor, honoring the invaluable contributions of African women in Tanzania.

  • Day of the Girl Child:

Each year, WiLDAF convenes this forum to shed light on the unique challenges faced by students, particularly girl students. It serves as a platform for dialogue, advocacy, and action, amplifying the voices of young girls and championing their rights.

 

Emergency Response System

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When it comes to Gender-based Violence (GBV), timely action is paramount for survivors. WiLDAF stands at the forefront of response and prevention efforts, particularly in combating Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC). Our innovative Emergency Response System (ERS) ensures that survivors receive immediate support when their rights are violated. In close collaboration with government agencies and networking organizations, WiLDAF offers a comprehensive array of services, including legal aid, counseling, emotional support, psychological assistance, medical care, and shelter.

Through the ERS, we’ve extended our reach to communities nationwide, empowering GBV survivors to access vital assistance swiftly. Whether through our Toll-Free Call Number 0800780070 or mobile lines 0685559954 / 0624475478, individuals in need can connect with us anytime, anywhere.

WiLDAF remains dedicated to providing a lifeline for those affected by GBV, ensuring that no survivor is left to face their ordeal alone.

  1. Legal Aid Services:

The Legal Aid Department operates round the clock to address GBV-related incidents, with physical offices open Monday through Thursday from 07:30 a.m. to 04:30 p.m., and on Fridays from 07:30a.m. to 01:30 p.m. Our legal aid services serve as a direct link, swiftly connecting GBV survivors with the Police Gender Desk and healthcare providers for immediate action.

In our mission to broaden women’s access to justice, WiLDAF has established the Tanzania Legal Aid Providers (TANLAP) Secretariat. This network is dedicated to coordinating legal aid services and promoting human rights awareness among non-governmental organizations. TANLAP sets rigorous standards for service provision and spearheads initiatives for continuous improvement.

  1. Strengthening the Referral System for GBV Survivors:

WiLDAF, in collaboration with stakeholders, is committed to fortifying the GBV Survivor Directory to ensure top-tier care and access to legal services. Continuously updated, this directory incorporates new service providers in various regions, guaranteeing comprehensive support for survivors of GBV.