Tackling Gender-Based Violence: Global Volunteers’ Impact in the Ukwega Ward

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a critical challenge affecting communities worldwide, with far-reaching consequences on mental health, family dynamics, and child development. In Tanzania where Global Volunteers partners with local governments and community leaders in the Ukwega Ward, we address GBV through comprehensive training programs and targeted interventions. Read on to learn how we collaborate to raise awareness and provide tools to stakeholders and families.

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by Regina Mhagama, RCP Senior Caregiver and Mental Wellness Education Manager

In 2023, Global Volunteers conducted a mental health needs assessment among 162 mothers enrolled in the Tanzania Reaching Children’s Potential (RCP) Program. The study revealed that GBV, alongside suicidal ideation, depression, and substance abuse, significantly undermines families’ well-being and parenting capabilities. We collaborated with community leaders to design interventions aimed at addressing the root causes of these serious problems. RCP Caregivers were instructed on Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) to enable them to identify and address teen and adult depression at home visits. A series of workshops were developed to address the causes and treatments of depression, available to RCP parents at monthly group presentations. The workshops are often led by volunteers with social work or healthcare expertise or personal experience. These sessions empower families with coping skills and inspire resilience through shared testimonials.

We also have established four village-based Alcohol Anonymous (AA) groups to assist families with recovery from alcohol addiction. With over 40 active members, these groups conduct regular meetings using AA materials purchased through donations from U.S. supporters.

Community-Oriented Gender-Based Violence Training

To launch an effective local program tackling GBV in the Ukwega Ward, Global Volunteers collaborated with the University of Iringa’s Department of Social Welfare and Kilolo District authorities to train 109 village participants on strategies to handle GBV incidents. Three two-day sessions were conducted for target groups; including RCP staff members, local government officials, church leaders, health workers, and other influential community members. The training covered the scope and types of GBV, causes and effect, prevention strategies, and reporting mechanisms. Participants shared personal and community experiences in discussions and plenary sessions.

In their personalized sessions, local government leaders acknowledged that traditional norms and patriarchal systems and practices like dowry payments often perpetuate GBV. The group discussed strategies for identifying situations where cultural beliefs contribute to violence, and pledged their support to collaborate with Global Volunteers staff and volunteer team members to work toward solutions. Leaders also recognized the link between GBV and child stunting, noting that maternal stress caused by violence negatively impacts a child’s development. As a result of the training, community leaders pledged to separate familial biases from their responsibilities to uphold local laws, and village GBV enforcement subcommittees were formed. Together, GBV Specialist Happy Sanga, Mental Wellness Education Manager Regina Mhagama and village office holders planned awareness campaigns to educate the broader community.

Church leaders and health facility representatives likewise reported that their two-day training sessions expanded their understanding of the multiple types of GBV perpetrated in the Ukwega Ward. To appeal to the community’s formal religious orientation, trainers integrated biblical perspectives into their discussions to help pastors develop messages discouraging violence and promoting harmonious relationships among congregants. At least one religious leader cited how biblical citations can be misinterpreted to validate violence against women and children. To combat such beliefs, they agreed that churches together can focus on raising awareness, empowering women and girls, engaging men and boys in solutions, and supporting survivors through local initiatives and partnerships.

As community leaders recommit to upholding Tanzania’s National GBV Plan, Global Volunteers continues to collaborate with regional mental health professionals, who oversee our educational initiatives and provide direct intervention and treatment to villagers where needed. Our vision is to add services and broader capacity as funding becomes available. Meanwhile, short-term volunteers are our primary resource for maintaining momentum with this critical program.

Toward Zero Violence in the Ukwega Ward

With committed and trained staff and community leaders to guide GBV and mental wellness projects, your skills are critical now.

Share Your Passion: Volunteers play a continuous and vital role in sharing their personal insights and expertise. We invite you to share your passion for creating positive change by joining an upcoming Global Volunteers team working on a comprehensive approach to ending GBV. You don’t need to be a mental health professional to make a difference here. Rather, offer your own or family experiences with addiction, poverty, trauma, negative relationship dynamics and related social issues in one-on-one and group service opportunities. If you do have training in domestic or gender-based violence, you can teach coping skills to staff, individuals and families to promote healthier relationships and village communities. Whether you join us for one or two weeks, your presence will add immense value to the lives of those we serve.

Collaborate with Our Experts: Work closely with the Ipalamwa General Clinic (IGC), where professional therapists provide individual, couple, and group therapy as preventive measures. You can also support our medical staff in offering essential care for those seeking treatment for depression and related mental health conditions.

Become Part of Our Welcoming Community: All of us living in the Ukwega Ward will greet you warmly and enthusiastically so you’ll feel at home as we work together to create meaningful change. Working with us on our broader mental wellness projects, you can facilitate workshops on GBV prevention and awareness, support therapy sessions by assisting professionals at IGC, engaging in community outreach programs focused on parenting education and mental wellness, helping individuals struggling with alcoholism by providing guidance and support, and bringing your unique skills to any field that contributes to mental wellness. We need you this year. And we hope you will return many times in the future. Join us in fostering hope, resilience, and healing.

Read More About Contributing to Mental Wellness Service Projects:

Mental Wellness Plan Matches Volunteers’ Skills to Parents’ Needs