August 22, 2025: TGNP, in partnership with UN Women, convened a seven-day backstopping workshop to fortify existing Knowledge Centers to establish Grassroots Gender Transformative Networks (GGTN) in three Dar es Salaam municipalities: Kinondoni, Ilala, and Temeke. Between August 15-21, 2025, the session brought together 99 participants (94 women and 5 men) from existing Knowledge Centers and selected community animators from six wards where new GGTNs will be established, marking a crucial step in building local capacity for advocacy and community engagement.
The session was designed to provide members of existing Knowledge Centres (KCs) with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive change in their communities. It focused on gender concepts, participatory action research (PAR), and community-driven advocacy, all aimed at empowering women and girls in leadership and enhancing their economic opportunities. Specifically, the session guided participants through a process of developing strategic plans for community engagement initiatives as well as establishing six new Grassroots Gender Transformative Networks (GGTN).
Voices of Empowerment
The workshop provided a platform for participants to share their insights and reflections. The conversations highlighted both the challenges and the collective commitment to change:
“For me, the discussion on movement building was powerful. I realized that achieving gender equality requires a united effort, with both men and women working together to challenge harmful norms and advocate for equal rights. I now understand that lasting change is only possible when we unite and work toward a common goal.”— Tatu Sultan Mohamed, participant.
“Patriarchy is not limited to men alone; it is a system of power that can be held and reinforced by anyone, regardless of gender. Patriarchy is fluid, taking different forms depending on cultural and social contexts and is perpetuated through socialization and gender norms.” —Rehema Mwateba, session facilitator.
Tackling the Root Causes of Inequality
The workshop addressed a range of systemic and social issues, from the lack of safe school infrastructure for girls to the high prevalence of gender-based violence. Discussions touched on complex topics such as women being charged for maternity services despite national policies, the dynamics of men denying pregnancies, and the broader challenges of poverty and inequality in leadership.
- Gender-Based Violence (GBV): The session addressed the alarming prevalence of violence against women and children, including the serious issue of teenage pregnancies, which often forces girls to drop out of school.
- Infrastructure Barriers: Participants pointed out how inadequate public infrastructure, such as unsafe roads, a lack of bridges, and insufficient water supply, disproportionately affects women and girls.
- School Environment: The absence of private facilities and toilets with water for female students in schools was raised as a significant barrier to education. The lack of private rooms for girls also impacts their ability to manage their menstruation with dignity.
- Systemic and Social Issues: The complex social challenges including poverty, unequal representation in leadership, and the persistence of harmful practices were discussed. A specific point of discussion was the issue of women being improperly charged for maternity services, despite national policies.
To strengthen the ability of people to address these complex issues within their communities, participants developed a set of forward-looking recommendations:
- Ongoing Mentorship: Providing continuous support and mentorship to newly established GGTNs is vital for their sustainability.
- Resource Mobilization: Networks should develop self-sustaining financial models through member contributions and community projects.
- Stronger Partnerships: Fostering collaboration between GGTNs and local authorities is essential to addressing systemic infrastructure and safety issues.
- Enhanced Training: Increasing the number of training days for each network from one to a minimum of three will ensure a deeper understanding and application of skills.
