Our Work in Action
Through innovative programs and community partnerships, we're creating lasting change in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence across Tanzania.
Our Focus Areas
We work across four key thematic areas to create comprehensive change and build a gender-just, violence-free society.
Combating Sexual and Gender-based Violence
Comprehensive programs to prevent, respond to, and eliminate SGBV through education, advocacy, and support services.
Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment
Promoting equal rights, opportunities, and representation for women and girls in all aspects of society.
Adolescents, Youth, and Women's Engagement
Building leadership skills and creating platforms for meaningful participation in decision-making processes.
Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
Ensuring access to comprehensive SRHR information, services, and advocacy for bodily autonomy.
Our Current Programs & Projects
Discover our comprehensive initiatives transforming communities through education, empowerment, advocacy, and creating safer spaces across Tanzania.
Awareness Interventions for SGBV: Elimika na Mwajuma
Elimika na Mwajuma is OVAH’s flagship awareness intervention using animation and storytelling to address sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) among adolescents and young people. Through school-based screenings and facilitated discussions, the program tackles critical issues including consent, sexual harassment, rape culture, and victim-blaming. The initiative has reached thousands of students across Tanzania, fostering open dialogue, increasing awareness of reporting mechanisms, and contributing to shifts in attitudes and behaviors toward gender equality.
SafetYetu: Empowerment Self-Defense
SafetYetu is an empowerment-based self-defense program that equips girls and young women with practical skills to recognize, prevent, and respond to violence. The program combines physical self-defense techniques with verbal assertiveness, boundary-setting, and situational awareness. Recognized as one of the few evidence-based approaches to reducing victimization, SafetYetu strengthens confidence, resilience, and personal agency among participants, enabling them to navigate daily environments more safely.
Teachers to Mentors
Teachers to Mentors is an institutional strengthening initiative that equips educators with the skills to prevent, identify, and respond to SGBV within schools. Through structured training, teachers are transformed into frontline protectors and mentors who can support students, engage parents, and collaborate with authorities. The program strengthens safeguarding systems within schools and has demonstrated tangible impact, including improved case identification, referral pathways, and student protection outcomes.
Jamii Salama Initiative
The Jamii Salama Initiative is a collaborative, multi-stakeholder platform aimed at creating safer public and digital spaces free from harassment and violence. Through partnerships with civil society organizations, media actors, and community leaders, the initiative drives awareness, advocacy, and systemic change. The initiative has strengthened community engagement, improved access to support services, and contributed to national conversations on safety, accountability, and gender-responsive systems. Implemented in Dar es Salaam
Move with Pink (Pink Bajaji Initiative)
Move with Pink is a women's economic empowerment and safe mobility initiative that supports women—particularly survivors of SGBV—to become professional drivers and vehicle owners. By integrating women into the transport sector, the initiative creates sustainable income opportunities while offering safe, harassment-free transportation for women and children. Participants now earn stable incomes of up to TZS 50,000 per day, with over 500% income increase, while also gaining financial literacy, confidence, and leadership skills. The initiative is redefining women’s roles in mobility and advancing gender-inclusive transport systems in Tanzania. Implemented in Dar es Salaam
SEMA NAMI
SEMA NAMI is a youth-centered SRHR program designed to reduce teenage pregnancies and improve access to accurate sexual and reproductive health information among adolescents aged 15–24. The program combines peer education, digital tools, and media engagement to deliver accessible, confidential, and youth-friendly information. By strengthening knowledge, promoting behavior change, and advocating for comprehensive sexuality education, SEMA NAMI empowers young people to make informed decisions about their health and future. Implemented in Morogoro Region.
Survivors Support Services
OVAH provides comprehensive, trauma-informed support services to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. These services include psychological counseling, legal referrals, and case follow-up to ensure survivors receive holistic care and pathways to justice. Through safe, confidential, and survivor-centered approaches, OVAH supports individuals in healing, rebuilding confidence, and reclaiming agency over their lives.
Policy Advocacy
OVAH engages in policy advocacy to influence laws, systems, and institutional practices that address SGBV and promote gender equality. Through research, stakeholder engagement, and coalition-building, the organization contributes to strengthening national and local responses to violence.
Community Engagement and Outreach
Community engagement is at the core of OVAH’s approach. Through dialogues, campaigns, media engagement, and grassroots mobilization, OVAH works to shift harmful social norms, promote reporting, and build collective responsibility in preventing violence. These interventions create inclusive spaces where communities actively participate in driving change, fostering safer environments for women, girls, and young people.
The Impact We Have Created
Through our comprehensive programs and community-centered approach, we have made significant strides in combating SGBV and empowering communities across Tanzania.
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Adolescent Girls & Women Empowered
Through awareness programs, self-defense training, support services, and our Women's Mobility Project
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Community Members Engaged
Including parents, teachers, local leaders, police officers, healthcare workers, and government representatives
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Institutions Equipped
Schools, universities, and workplaces equipped with tools and strategies to foster safer environments
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People Reached Through Media
Through our animated series on SGBV, sparking national conversations and awareness