Project Summary

"Women First: Building Stronger Societies in Zanzibar" is a transformative initiative dedicated to empowering women across Unguja and Pemba by enhancing economic independence, leadership capacity, health access, and educational opportunities. Rooted in community participation and cultural respect, this project aims to address gender disparities while catalyzing inclusive growth and resilient societies across Zanzibar.

Goal

To empower 5,000 women in Zanzibar with the tools, skills, and support systems they need to become change agents in their communities by 2027.

Objectives

• Economic Empowerment: Support 1,500 women in launching or expanding microenterprises through training, seed funding, and cooperative formation.
• Leadership and Advocacy: Train 300 women in civic leadership, advocacy, and public speaking to participate in community governance.
• Health and Well-being: Increase access to reproductive health education and services for 3,000 women in rural and peri-urban areas.
• Education and Digital Inclusion: Provide 1,200 women and girls with digital literacy and vocational training aligned with the local job market.

Key Activities

1. Capacity Building Workshops

• Entrepreneurship, financial literacy, cooperative development
• Legal rights and gender-based violence awareness
• Digital and vocational skills training

2. Women’s Resource Hubs

• Establish 4 regional hubs offering co-working space, legal aid, counseling, health info, and business mentoring.

3. Microgrants & Microloans Program

• Disburse microfunds to viable small business ideas or existing ventures.
• Partner with local MFIs for rotating loan schemes with financial coaching.

4. Health Outreach Campaigns

• Community health caravans offering reproductive health services
• Menstrual health education and free sanitary kits for 1,000 girls
• Monthly health workshops in collaboration with local clinics.

5. Leadership & Civic Engagement Bootcamps

• Simulations, public speaking workshops, mentoring from female leaders in politics and civil society

Geographical Focus

• Unguja (Urban West, North, and South regions)
• Pemba (Chake Chake, Mkoani, and Wete)

Sustainability Plan

• Partner with local women’s organizations and cooperatives for long-term ownership.
• Incorporate a “train-the-trainer” model to scale skill transfer.
• Build public-private partnerships to integrate beneficiaries into markets.

Impact Metrics

• 5,000 women empowered across various thematic areas.
• 200 microbusinesses started or scaled.
• 95% satisfaction rate in women’s access to new opportunities and services.
• 60+ women in leadership roles by end of project.
• 50% increase in digital literacy among participants.

Implementation Timeline

• Start Date: January 2026
• End Date: December 2027 (24 months)

Proposed Budget

Category	Amount (USD)
Program Staff (Local & Technical Experts)	$120,000
Training & Capacity Building	$80,000
Microgrants & Microloans Fund	$150,000
Women's Resource Hubs (Setup & Operations)	$100,000
Health Services & Outreach	$60,000
Educational Materials & Equipment	$40,000
Monitoring & Evaluation	$25,000
Transportation & Logistics	$30,000
Communications & Advocacy	$20,000
Administration & Contingency (10%)	$62,500
Total	$687,500

Funding Request

We are seeking $687,500 to fully implement "Women First: Building Stronger Societies in Zanzibar" over a 24-month period. Strategic co-funding and in-kind contributions from local stakeholders will complement this budget.

Partners & Stakeholders

• Ministry of Gender, Zanzibar.
• Local women’s cooperatives.
• Community health centers.
• Local NGOs (e.g., ZAFELA, TAMWA Zanzibar)
• International development agencies.

Target Beneficiaries:

• Young women (aged 18–35)
• Single mothers.
• Widows.
• Female-headed households.
• Survivors of domestic violence.

Expected Impact:

• 2,500+ women trained and empowered economically and socially.
• 200+ sustainable micro-enterprises launched.
• Increase in women’s participation in local leadership (20% rise)
• Reduced incidence of domestic violence through awareness and support networks.
• Strengthened community resilience and gender-inclusive governance.

Call to Action:

Support “Women First: Building Stronger Societies in Zanzibar” and join the movement to ensure every woman in Zanzibar can rise, lead, and thrive. Together, we can build a just and inclusive society—from the ground up.

Conclusion

By putting women first, we build stronger, healthier, and more resilient societies. This initiative is not just an investment in individuals—it’s an investment in the future of Zanzibar.