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MWANAUME WA KITANZANIA, MKOMBOZI WA JAMII NA CHACHU YA MABADILIKO

On 23 April 2025, Tanzanians proudly celebrated Men’s Day, a national occasion dedicated to recognizing men’s rights, responsibilities, and their role in driving social transformation. The event, held in Morogoro, carried the theme “MWANAUME WA KITANZANIA, MKOMBOZI WA JAMII NA CHACHU YA MABADILIKO” — “A Tanzanian man, a liberator and a catalyst for sustainable change.” The Agenda for the Tanzanian Men’s Day 2025 can be accessed at here for a swahili version of the agenda and for the English version.

✨ Highlights from the Celebration

• Call for Reporting Violence: Speaking at the Morogoro gathering, Selemani Zewele, Chairperson of the Federation of Men Facing Marital Challenges in Morogoro Region, urged men to report incidents of violence they experience so that the Government can compile accurate statistics and provide appropriate support. He emphasized that it is time for men to raise their voices and seek help for the challenges they face in society.
• Police Perspective: Robert Dugo, Police Officer from Mbuyuni Ward, reminded participants that men must recognize their responsibility in combating violence, noting that abuse within households affects not only men but also children and the wider family.
• Educational Programs: John Thomas, Coordinator of Tanzanian Men’s Day, appealed to the Government to establish sustainable educational programs to ensure men access their rights equally and are empowered to contribute positively to society.
• Academic Recognition: Prof. Rasel Madaha, an Associate Professor at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), called on the Government to make Men’s Day an officially recognized national commemoration, comparable to International Women’s Day, thereby affirming its importance in civic and social development.
• Institutional Support: The celebration was spearheaded by the Community Development Association (CDA) in collaboration with AGEN, with strong support from SUA, CARE International, SMAUJATA, and local government authorities. Together, these partners blended civic education, volunteerism, and academic insight to make the day impactful.

🎯 Impact and Reflections

The 2025 Men’s Day celebration was more than a commemoration — it was a platform for advocacy and transformation. It highlighted the need for men to speak out against violence, embrace accountability, and act as partners in building inclusive communities. The event strengthened awareness of men’s responsibilities in family and community life, challenged harmful stereotypes, and reaffirmed the importance of collective responsibility for Tanzania’s future.

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By celebrating Tanzanian Men’s Day 2025, AGEN and its partners underscored that men are not only beneficiaries of rights but also bearers of responsibility — standing as liberators and catalysts for change in our communities.

As part of AGEN’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen civic education, agricultural extension, and community development, several university student-led projects have recently been implemented across Morogoro and surrounding areas. These projects showcase practical learning, community empowerment, and sustainable development in action.

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Agricultural Extension and Vegetable Production

Class Groups 8 and 4 serving Tunaweza & Twidike Community Based Groups respectively

• Prepared seedbeds and ridges for vegetables such as Chinese cabbage, okra, eggplant, and sweet potato leaves.
• Conducted weeding, pruning, and planting activities to improve productivity.
• Shared knowledge on proper spacing, seed quality, and sustainable practices.
• Value added: improved seedbed preparation, weeding management, tree pruning, and planting techniques.
• Community feedback: members expressed gratitude for improved knowledge and practices.
• Challenges: low-quality seeds, water scarcity, and limited extension officer support.
• Lessons: participatory learning, post-harvest handling, and leadership skills.

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Gender Balance and Financial Empowerment

Class Group 7 serving Tuokoane VICOBA

• Addressed disparities in meeting attendance between men and women.
• Proposed acquisition of chairs to improve meeting comfort and inclusivity.
• Encouraged male participation through outreach, flexible meeting times, and leadership roles.
• Value addition: improved infrastructure, gender balance, and profitability.
• Community feedback: members welcomed interventions to strengthen participation and transparency.

Field Work Report

• Provided education on gender equality in leadership and participation.
• Encouraged increased contributions to strengthen group capital.
• Promoted small businesses and reinvestment of profits.
• Recommendations: regular sensitization, increased savings, and investment in income-generating activities.

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Sunflower Oil Processing

Class Group 6 serving Colmas Community Group

• Women engaged in seed sorting, oil pressing, packaging, and labeling.
• Men contributed to seed sourcing, equipment maintenance, refining, and distribution.
• Established partnerships with sunflower producers and provided training in refining and marketing.
• Value added: improved product quality, employment creation, and direct marketing.
• Community feedback: satisfaction with improved oil quality and strengthened household economies.
• Challenges: lack of capital, poor facilities, and financial constraints.
• Plans: expand production through loans, partnerships, and market monitoring.

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Soap Production and Gender Equity

Class Group 1 serving Fahari Sile Community Based Groups

• Conducted training on soap production techniques, hygiene, and quality control.
• Facilitated gender awareness sessions to promote equitable participation.
• Value added: increased women’s confidence, fair distribution of roles, and strengthened collaboration.
• Community feedback: both men and women recognized the benefits of inclusive leadership.
• Challenges: resistance to change and time management.
• Plans: leadership training for women, gender-sensitive marketing, and monitoring participation.

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Batiki (Cloth Making) and Vegetable Production

Class Group 8 serving Tunaweza Community Based Gripu

• Supported vegetable production alongside batiki (cloth) making.
• Added value through proper seedbed preparation, weeding, pruning, and planting.
• Leveraged social media branding to expand batiki markets.
• Reflection: improved crop yields, better farm sustainability, and expanded market reach.
• Plans: scale up vegetable production and strengthen batiki branding.

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Conclusion

These diverse projects highlight AGEN’s mission to empower communities through practical agricultural extension, gender equity, entrepreneurship, and civic education. By integrating student-led initiatives with community needs, AGEN continues to foster sustainable development, inclusivity, and innovation.

Learn more about AGEN’s projects here: AGEN Projects

The Affirmative Action on Gender Equality Network (AGEN) is delighted to share wonderful news with our members, partners, and the public.

We are honored to announce that AGEN has officially been admitted as a member of the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC). This milestone was confirmed during the 53rd Board Meeting of THRDC, held on December 13, 2025.

This recognition reflects the trust and appreciation of AGEN’s vision, commitment, and contributions toward advancing human rights, good governance, and inclusive development in Tanzania.

AGEN will be formally introduced to all THRDC members during the upcoming General Assembly, with the date to be announced soon. We encourage our community to stay connected for further updates.

To learn about THRDC

Visit THRDC’s website: www.thrdc.or.tz

You can Connect with THRDC on social media:

• 🔹 Facebook
• 🔹 LinkedIn
• 🔹 X (Twitter)
• 🔹 Watetezi TV

For more information or clarification, please contact the THRDC Membership Desk at +255 743 390 452.

About THRDC

The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC), established in 2010 and formally registered in 2012, is a vibrant national network dedicated to protecting, empowering, and supporting human rights defenders across Tanzania. With over 170 members on the mainland and 30 in Zanzibar, THRDC provides a secure platform for defenders to collaborate, build capacity, and advocate for fundamental freedoms. Guided by its mandate to create a safe working environment, the Coalition focuses on nine thematic areas—including women’s rights, freedom of expression, children’s rights, and minority rights—while fostering resilience and solidarity among defenders. Freedom of expression remains a cornerstone of THRDC’s mission, with the Coalition actively championing reforms that protect journalists, activists, and citizens from censorship and intimidation. Through strategic plans, training, national forums, and rapid response initiatives, THRDC continues to stand as a beacon of protection and advocacy for those who courageously safeguard human rights.

AGEN’s Commitment

By joining THRDC, AGEN strengthens its role in a safe, inclusive, and collaborative community that values the contributions of every member in defending and promoting human rights. We believe this partnership will provide support, protection, learning opportunities, and collaboration that will significantly enhance our mission and impact.

Together with THRDC, we look forward to building a brighter future for human rights defenders and organizations across Tanzania.

Welcome to AGEN — a safe space for defenders, a united voice, and a pillar for a better tomorrow.

AGEN is proud to announce the establishment of a Community Seed Bank (CSB) at Iguguno village, Mkalama District, Singida. This initiative is designed to serve farmers in the district and beyond by safeguarding indigenous seeds, strengthening food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Why a Community Seed Bank?

Community Seed Banks are farmer-led institutions that conserve, exchange, and improve local seeds. They:

– Preserve biodiversity and traditional knowledge  

– Ensure reliable access to quality seeds  

– Support climate-resilient and environmentally friendly farming practices  

– Empower communities through education, entrepreneurship, and cultural continuity  

How It Works?

The Iguguno CSB is managed by a Seed Committee composed of respected local farmers. Their role includes:

– Collecting, storing, and distributing seeds  

– Training farmers through demonstration plots  

– Documenting seed varieties and promoting seed quality standards  

– Acting as ambassadors for farmer-owned seed systems and agroecology  

Community Impact?

The seed bank will:

– Provide farmers with diverse, affordable, and accessible seeds  

– Strengthen local food systems and livelihoods  

– Encourage knowledge-sharing and collective action  

– Inspire future generations to value indigenous seeds and sustainable farming  

With this milestone, AGEN reaffirms its commitment to empowering communities, conserving biodiversity, and advancing agroecological practices across Tanzania and beyond.