Empowering women with the skills to work and thrive in the sustainable housing business.
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OUTPUT
A total of 94 Mhaga women have been trained so far in brick-making, soil testing and sustainable construction, with 28 also trained in financial management.
OUTCOME
From the first cohort of women trained, 100% are employed by TAWAH and are continuing to apply their skills in sustainable construction.
HIGHLIGHT
Built by women for women, the Vocational Centre has been inaugurated as a place of learning and a hub of empowerment that will shape futures, transform lives and bridge the wealth inequality gap.
We will not sit back anymore. We will work and move forward
Our Commitment
Julius Baer Foundation and TAWAH join forces for the construction and development of the Knowledge Centre in Mhaga Village.
Ultimately, the centre shall boost women's employability prospects in the sustainable housing fields by:
- training them to produce sustainable, modern mud bricks whose sale supports the centre’s activities and expansion to other regions in Tanzania.
- helping renovate or build homes for the elderly, people with disabilities, and female-headed households.
- preparing women for activities in the construction sector; a field that has long been perceived as a male domain.
- developing business and marketing skills.
- raising awareness in the public and private sector of the need for inclusive community mobilisation to build better, affordable housing.
The initiative will allow TAWAH to conduct its activities sustainably, ultimately extending its reach to marginalised communities throughout Tanzania.
Tanzania Women Architects for Humanity (TAWAH) is an NGO established in 2010 by Tanzanian women architects and engineers committed to improving housing options for Tanzania’s most affected rural populations: women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
TAWAH equips women and girls with the skills to participate directly in building housing and sanitary facilities that are:
- high-quality
- affordable, and
- environmentally friendly
Collectively, TAWAH’s members have expertise in all phases of construction:
- needs assessment
- design
- materials production
- construction
- project management, and
- turn-over of the finished structure
The Julius Baer Foundation has partnered with TAWAH in the construction of a women-led Knowledge Centre in Mhaga Village, Kisarawe District. Disadvantaged women and girls—many of whom have not had access to formal education—will work at the centre, alongside a team of teachers and mentors that includes:
- TAWAH members
- women business owners and
- women employees in the construction industry
Breaking down barriers...
With little formal education and construction seen as man's work, women in marginalised rural areas of Tanzania are unable to access training and employment opportunities in the building sector.
...into the construction sector
The Mhaga village project trains women in sustainable construction, from brick making to basic building and business skills, which will help them boost their income and strengthen their community.
Become a Changemaker
Volunteers, including project designers, managers and administrators are at the heart of TAWAH's mission. If you’re interested, and maybe already in Tanzania, ask about getting involved!
