THE public has been urged to eliminate discriminatory practices against girls and women, instead champion empowerment of the group to unlock their full potential and drive national progress.

Nyanzobe Makwaia, coordinator of a tailoring training programme, made the call in Dar es Salaam yesterday, highlighting the urgent need for societal change.

The training, organised by the Environment Conservation Community of Tanzania (ECCT), is part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, aimed at raising awareness and advocating for the rights of women and girls.

Nyanzobe said findings from research conducted by various organisations, consistently show that girls and women are disproportionately affected by gender-based violence.

“Girls and women are the largest group affected. In some families, resources are available to educate girls, but they are overlooked while boys are sent to school. This ingrained inequality must change,” she said.

Nyanzobe expressed disappointment that discrimination against girls and women continues, despite the government’s free education policy under President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Through the tailoring initiative, Nyanzobe and her team equip girls with practical skills to earn a sustainable income, helping them support themselves and gain the confidence to escape domestic violence.

Lucky Michael, director of ECCT, elaborated on the programme’s broader mission which initially targets15 girls from Dar es Salaam and surrounding areas, with plans to expand nationwide.

“In addition to entrepreneurial skills, we teach the young women how to identify and avoid violence at home and in their communities,” Michael said. 

She added: “This comprehensive approach prepares them for a safer and more empowered future.”

She also highlighted the “ECO WEARE” project, funded by Women Fund Tanzania, which combines entrepreneurship training with environmental conservation. This initiative teaches participants to repurpose fabric scraps into sustainable products.

“This unique approach not only equips girls with income-generating skills but also promotes environmental stewardship, encouraging them to contribute to a sustainable future,” she said.

By combining entrepreneurship, environmental conservation, and education on gender-based violence, the ECCT programme empowers young Tanzanian women to build independent lives while promoting equality and environmental awareness.