September, 2025: In September 2025, UN Women organised a series of focus group discussions to evaluate the community-level impact of the Women’s Leadership and Economic Rights (WLER) project implemented by TGNP in the Pwani, Lindi, Mtwara, and Dar es Salaam regions.
During these conversations, those involved in the WLER project spoke openly about the project’s relevance and its impact on women’s leadership and economic empowerment. The women shared their own stories—celebrating achievements, reflecting on challenges, and highlighting the realities faced in different communities and contexts.
INSIGHTS
Participants celebrated a number of positive changes, including:
- Economic Empowerment: There has been an increase in the number of women accessing vocational training and starting small businesses, and the participants talked about how the vocational training and business skills provided by the project have led to increased income and financial independence, allowing them to better support their families.
- Increased Leadership: Women involved in the project have demonstrated an increased level of confidence, and combined with new skills, they have been able to compete for—and win—leadership positions. This has resulted in greater female representation in local governance structures and committees.
- Breaking Barriers: Communities where the project was active are more willing to support women’s participation in leadership and decision-making. Women who once faced traditional barriers are now speaking out, leading groups, and influencing change at the local level.
- Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV): The project created safe spaces and stronger support networks, encouraging those who experience GBV to come forward and seek help. The project participants demonstrated an increased willingness to speak up against GBV and seek support.
“Through the project, we have been able to join vocational skills programs that have helped us increase our incomes and successfully compete for various leadership positions. For the first time, we feel like we are in control of our lives. We sincerely thank TGNP, UN Women, and the Finnish Embassy for this opportunity.” — Hilda, Project Participant
While celebrating these successes, participants also brought up significant challenges.
They shared how most community constitutions do not prioritise women or people with disabilities. One participant emphasised the need to change, stating, “We must change this. A stronger partnership and sustained mentorship will facilitate the momentum of this project.”
September 2025.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SUSTAINED IMPACT
To build upon the gains made within the project locations, participants made the following recommendations:
- Stronger Partnerships: Participants called for enhanced partnerships and greater engagement with local government leaders to address systemic issues.
- Continuous Mentorship: Ongoing mentorship and advocacy are crucial to maintaining the momentum in women’s leadership.
ABOUT THE WLER PROJECT
After the success of the Wanawake Wanaweza (Women Can) Project, UN Women, with support from the Government of Finland, initiated Women’s Leadership and Economic Rights at Local Levels (WLER). Launched in 2021, this five-year project was all about opening doors—supporting more women to take their place in local government and to strengthen their economic rights in Dar es Salaam, Pwani, Lindi, and Mtwara. Since October 2023, TGNP has been the implementing partner, working hand in hand with communities to turn these goals into real change.
TGNP has focused on building grassroots feminist movements by establishing “Grassroots Gender Transformative Networks”, which play a key role in creating safe spaces for knowledge sharing, collective advocacy, and supporting women aspiring to leadership. TGNP has also concentrated its efforts on strengthening local governance by providing local government officials with the knowledge and skills needed for gender-responsive governance.
