16 Days of Activism
December 10, 2022

RUFFO and OHCHR Partner to Tackle GBV During 16 Days of Activism in Tanzania


Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a serious issue affecting millions of people worldwide, particularly women and girls. In Tanzania, GBV is a significant problem, with a high number of reported cases each year.

According to a 2017 study by the Tanzania Health and Demographic Survey, more than one in three women have experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. These statistics are alarming, and it is vital to take action to combat this issue.

In response, RUFFO partnered with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to launch an online campaign aimed at raising awareness about GBV in Tanzania during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The campaign took place between November 25th (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) and December 10th (International Human Rights Day). 

The 16 Days of Activism aims to mobilize communities and raise awareness about GBV, its causes, and the measures to be taken to prevent it. The campaign aims to empower individuals and communities to take action to end GBV, promote respect, and support gender equality.




The focus of this year's campaign was on the youth, who are particularly vulnerable to GBV, especially online GBV. RUFFO created a series of videos and posters to educate and raise awareness on the issue. The content highlighted various forms of GBV, such as Intimate Partner Violence and Workplace GBV, but also focused on types of online GBV, such as cyberbullying, non-consensual distribution of intimate images, and harassment on social media platforms. The campaign aimed to empower young people to recognize the signs of GBV and speak out against it.


This initiative aligns with Tanzania's National Policy of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children, which recognizes the importance of addressing GBV to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The campaign contributes to SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls , and SDG 16, which seeks to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.



RUFFO and OHCHR's partnership on this campaign was an essential step towards addressing GBV in Tanzania during the 16 Days of Activism and supporting the country's progress towards achieving the SDGs targets. By creating awareness, empowering young people, and advocating for change, we can work towards a world free of GBV.



In conclusion, RUFFO is committed to promoting and protecting human rights, and we are proud to have played our part in raising awareness and empowering young people to speak out against GBV during the 16 Days of Activism. We encourage everyone to join us in our efforts to end GBV and support Tanzania's progress towards achieving the SDGs targets. All content from the campaign is available on RUFFO's Instagram and YouTube channels, where people can continue to learn and engage with the material.



RUFFO Joins WHO in Signing MOU to Advance Public Health Services in Tanzania

By Amos Mhando • May 8, 2024
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - On May 8th, 2024, Raising Up Friendship Foundation (RUFFO) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the World Health Organization (WHO), alongside other non-state actors. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing public health services across Tanzania. The MoU was signed on behalf of RUFFO by Executive Director and Co-Founder Hilda Ngaja. Dr. Charles Sagoe-Moses, the WHO country representative, highlighted the importance of this collaboration in addressing the country's health challenges. He noted that the partnerships will enable WHO to leverage the expertise, resources, and networks of these organizations to address the health challenges the country faces. The signing ceremony marked the culmination of an extensive process that began with an expression of interest launched in December 2022. Out of 46 submissions, RUFFO was was one of 11 selected through a rigorous evaluation and the FENSA process, mandated by the World Health Assembly in 2016. Hilda Ngaja expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "This MoU signifies a critical step forward in our mission to empower women and children in Tanzania. We are honored to collaborate with WHO and other esteemed organizations to enhance disease prevention, health promotion, and innovative healthcare solutions. This partnership will enable us to make a significant impact on public health services across the country." RUFFO is proud to be part of this initiative and remains dedicated to its mission of empowering women and children in Tanzania. The organization looks forward to working closely with WHO and other partners to improve access to quality healthcare services, strengthen health workforce development, and promote the use of innovative technologies in healthcare delivery. The signing of the MoU represents a shared vision of improving public health in Tanzania, highlighting the critical role of partnerships in achieving the health for all agenda.

School Visit

By Henry Manyasi • February 26, 2024
On February 9th, 2024, RUFFO had the privilege of participating in a special event held at Kerezange Secondary School in Kitunda, Ilala, Dar es Salaam. The event, aimed at welcoming incoming form one students, provided an opportunity for RUFFO to engage with students, educators, and community members, and to promote initiatives that support the well-being and empowerment of both boys and girls. During the event, representatives from RUFFO introduced the organization and its mission to support vulnerable students through various projects and initiatives. Among these initiatives is the Sitanyamaza club, which advocates against violence and promotes the importance of speaking out against abuse and injustice. The Sitanyamaza club plays a crucial role in providing a safe space for students to discuss and address issues such as violence, abuse, and discrimination. Through activities and discussions led by the club, students are empowered to recognize their rights, build self-confidence, and seek support when needed.

RUFFO and Fountain Gate Unite to Champion Women's Football Equality

By Henry Manyasi • February 26, 2024
RUFFO and Fountain Gate, two leading organizations in Tanzania, have joined forces to advocate for gender equality in women's football. In a groundbreaking collaboration, they recently held a joint press conference to announce the launch of the "Usawa Mpirani" project. The initiative aims to address the challenges faced by women in football, including dispelling stereotypes and ensuring equal recognition for their contributions to the sport. Despite efforts by the national football federation, women's football continues to struggle due to limited resources and inadequate support. Through "Usawa Mpirani," RUFFO and Fountain Gate seek to break barriers and empower female footballers. The project includes educational workshops, economic empowerment programs, and leadership training, all aimed at enhancing the development of women's football in Tanzania. The collaboration between RUFFO and Fountain Gate underscores their commitment to promoting gender equality and creating a more inclusive football environment. It is hoped that this partnership will inspire other organizations to support women's football and pave the way for a brighter future for female athletes in Tanzania.
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