Climb for Change: Help Jenn Empower Women in Tanzania
Donation protected
Hello!
I am excited to announce that I am partnering with Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) and my employer, Randstad, to raise funds in support of women entrepreneurs in Tanzania. This initiative aims to empower young women to actively participate in the blue economy by overcoming significant barriers such as gender discrimination, lack of specialized and financial assistance, limited representation in decision-making, environmental challenges, the impact of unpaid care, and limited time availability.
In February 2025, I, along with 16 of my Randstad colleagues from around the world, will be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to support the “Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in the Blue Economy Sector” project, funded by VSO and Randstad. This challenging trek covers over 50 miles in just 6 days! My training is in full swing, and I am getting very close to my fundraising efforts. I would be incredibly grateful for your support as I embark on this personal journey to make a positive impact on the lives of women in Tanzania.
Randstad Kilimanjaro Challenge for VSO:
Your donation will directly contribute to enhancing the livelihoods and well-being of 100 young, marginalized women (aged 18-35) by providing them with decent jobs. With your support, we aim to:
- Establish and strengthen collaborations with private sector companies for skills training and certification by local government and educational institutions.
- Form cooperatives where women can unite, exchange ideas, and market their products.
- Improve childcare services, allowing young women to participate in the blue economy and increase their income.
Our Goals by December 2025:
- Empower 100 Women: We aim for 70% of these women to report increased income, business expansion, and improved capacity to manage marine resources, contributing to their economic independence and the health of the blue economy.
- Provide Childcare Assistance: Our goal is for 50% utilization of childcare services by women in the fisheries sector and a 40% increase in reported satisfaction with service accessibility.
- Raise Awareness and Advocacy: We hope that at least 70% of 1,000 targeted women will report increased knowledge about their rights and exercise those rights to improve working conditions and performance in the fisheries sector.
- Engage in Community Forums: We expect at least 70% of 100 women to be actively involved in community forums in the blue economy, demonstrating behavioral change and new business practices as measured by pre- and post-program surveys.
To achieve these ambitious goals, we will provide training, financial services, market access, quality assurance, and foster partnerships with service providers. Your support is crucial in transforming the blue economy sector and empowering women to earn a better income, improve their livelihoods, and drive sustainable development in Tanzania.
I can provide a tax receipt from VSO for your contribution. (Please note that the Netherlands-based platform VSO uses for fundraising may not be user-friendly for those of us in the U.S.)
Any contribution you make is greatly appreciated!
Thank you for your support!
With heartfelt gratitude!
Jenn
Organizer
Jennifer Brooks
Organizer
Southern Pines, NC