The Wezesha Project

Wezesha in Swahili means 'Empower' or 'enable'.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, period poverty prevents 1 in 10 girls from attending school on a monthly basis.

It is well established that the education of women is the key to improving the health outcomes for both women and children, reducing domestic violence and breaking the cycle of poverty.

The North-West region of Tanzania is one of the most impoverished regions in Sub-Saharan Africa. Research carried out by Dr Amanda Ward in 2012 uncovered that there was a significant need for education regarding contraception, sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV/AIDs which is prevalent in this region), pregnancy and post-natal care and menstrual hygiene.

In May 2023, Dr Amanda Ward and a team of healthcare workers (all self-funded) are returning to the Ngara region to pilot a project which aims to provide education and awareness to women and girls in these remote villages on reproductive health.

We are also partnering with the Australian sustainable period product company Femme Organic to empower these women to break free from the chains of period poverty.

But we need your help to achieve this.

By making a tax- deductible donation to The Wezesha Project, you will be providing a woman in remote Tanzania with the freedom to continue her education or her livelihood regardless of her menstrual cycle through the provision of reusable pads.

Something so simple can make the world of difference.

During our visits to the villages, we will be providing education sessions and focus groups to provide education to the women in the communities regarding their reproductive health. The focus will be on family planning, pregnancy care and when and how to seek medical care in their region.

An important part of this project is empowering the women and their health care providers to continue this education long after the project has completed. Education of health professionals in the region on public health measures is a vital part of improving health outcomes through education.

If you have any further questions regarding this project, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Project Coordinator: Dr Amanda Ward [email redacted].au

Medical Mission Aid: https://medicalmissionaid.org.au/projects/wezesha-tanzania/

We are so grateful for the support of our partner Femme Organic. If you would like further information on their products, please visit https://femmeorganic.com