In the heart of Kisarawe District, a new chapter for women in construction is being written. Tanzania Women Architects for Humanity (TAWAH) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have officially joined forces to help women turn vocational skills into sustainable livelihoods and climate-resilient homes.  

The partnership was sealed with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the TAWAH Vocational Training Centre in Mhaga Village. More than just a formal agreement, this collaboration is a commitment to breaking down the barriers that have long kept women out of the construction industry.

Transforming Lives and Landscapes

The impact of TAWAH’s work is already visible on the ground. Since 2021, the initiative has trained 140 women and successfully constructed 17 houses. The program specifically targets young women aged 18 to 35 from all corners of Tanzania, particularly those who missed out on formal education.

Beneficiaries, who primarily come from low-income families, receive a four-month training program entirely free of charge. After completing the hands-on course, graduates are connected with the Vocational Educational and Training Authority (VETA), where they earn official, government-recognized certificates—a crucial stepping stone to formal employment.

For many participants, the center is a place of newfound hope. As one young student, Glory Leison shared, the program gave her a clear path forward: "My biggest dream is to become a building expert. When I saw what they were building here, I was inspired. They build beautiful things and offer so much knowledge, so I decided this is where I would start my journey."

Expertise Rooted in the Community

Victoria Heilman, Executive Director of TAWAH and a former lecturer at Ardhi University, emphasized that the initiative is deeply rooted in local resources and professional expertise.

"Our goal is to see how this institution can help women, especially here in rural areas, to do something to improve their lives," Heilman explained. "We have come together to use our professions as architects and engineers. Right now, we are teaching each other how to use the soil we dig up right here in our village to make strong bricks and build houses."

This grassroots innovation perfectly complements UNDP’s goals. Godfrey Nyamrunda, UNDP Representative in Zanzibar and Project Manager for Development Minerals, highlighted why the two organizations are a natural fit.

"We have entered into an agreement with our colleagues at TAWAH because they are experts in architecture, infrastructure design, and construction, while our expertise lies in developing construction and industrial minerals," Nyamrunda noted.

A shared Mission for Inclusive Growth 

During the ceremony, UNDP Resident Representative, Shigeki Komatsubara spoke to the broader national impact of the initiative.

 “Empowering women through skills development is essential for inclusive growth,” Komatsubara said.  “This partnership places women’s leadership, climate action, and sustainable livelihoods at the centre of Tanzania’s development, enabling women to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the national economy.”