Tanzania to build safe houses and childcare centers
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The Tanzanian government plans to construct 10 safe houses and 184 childcare centers across 40 councils in 10 regions, as part of efforts to address gender-based violence and support women’s economic participation.
The project, named PAMOJA (meaning “together”), receives $100 million from the World Bank plus an additional $4 million grant.
Eliakim Maswi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, urged regional and council leaders to ensure proposed construction sites meet professional standards, safety requirements, and long-term needs. Maswi emphasized that the project should be viewed as a long-term investment in women, children, families, and communities, not just building structures or distributing loans. He specified that childcare centers must offer adequate space for buildings, play areas, gardens, water, and sanitation, with room for future expansion.
An August-September review identified challenges with some proposed sites, including a lack of ownership documentation, incomplete surveys, and environmental concerns, prompting officials to seek alternative, suitable locations. Adventina Ilunga, PAMOJA Project Coordinator, stated the government will begin by building 80 childcare centers, two per council, in the first year, and then continue with the remaining facilities. These centers aim to provide women with opportunities to pursue economic activities and employment while ensuring their children receive care in a safe environment.
The government also intends to offer affordable loans to women through the project to strengthen their economic activities and increase family income.
