PROJECTS

REUSABLE SANITARY PADS

PROBLEM
Many Tanzanian women, especially in rural areas, do not have access to feminine hygiene products because stores are far away and it is expensive to afford them each month. They use old cloth and cornhusks instead, which can cause fungal infections and embarrassing leaks and odors. This creates a barrier to their work and education because many girls skip school and work during menstruation.

SOLUTION
The Dare Women's Foundation is training women to make reusable pads. A core group of women will start their own small businesses making and selling pads. Reusable pads are cheaper than disposable pads, last up to a year, are environmentally friendly, and eliminate the need to go to a store each month. Check out our sewing pattern and instruction manual to learn how to make your own reusable pads!

Watch this 5-minute video to learn more!
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CONSERVATION EDUCATION

PROBLEM
National Park entry fees in Tanzania are very difficult to afford. Therefore, many local Tanzanians cannot afford to go to them and are unaware of the wildlife and natural resources available in their country. Safari guiding is a profession which is largely male-dominated. There are only 6 women safari guides in Tanzania, including Maggie Duncan Simbeye, founder of the Dare Women's Foundation.

SOLUTION
The Dare Women's Foundation takes women and children on safaris, which they otherwise could not afford. When they learn about their environment, they can pass the information off to other community members, therefore spreading information about the importance of conservation.

DARE RUGBY

PROBLEM
Rugby is very popular in Tanzania, however, the opportunity for girls to play is rare. Young women in Tanzania are faced with a great number of financial, physical, and psychological adversities and rugby offers a great outlet. The need for this project is born from how critical a girl’s youth is to her future.

SOLUTION
Dare Rugby provides girls and women with a network of support and guidance. Dare Rugby will work to give young women the rugby experience. Rugby and its values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship, will have a positive impact on the girls and the entire community of Arusha.
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EDUCATION ADVOCACY

PROBLEM
While education is the key to escaping poverty, many Tanzanian school children face multiple barriers to education. These barriers include lack of parental support, school fees, school supplies, home chores, and living too far from a school. Additionally, girls face barriers such as discrimination and lack of feminine hygiene care.

SOLUTION
The Dare Women's Foundation helps parents and communities understand the importance of education through community outreach. Additionally, we raise money to fund the costs associated with school, provide feminine hygiene products to girls, and support informal educational endeavors in the community.

EMPOWERMENT & SUPPORT

PROBLEM
Many Tanzanian women face challenges such as discrimination, domestic violence, rape, lack of feminine hygiene care, and struggle to make an income. They do not have anyone to share these problems with and many women become depressed or experience anxiety. In addition, it is difficult for women to afford transportation to the court to defend their cases.

SOLUTION
The Dare Women's Foundation works to bring women together for community meetings or to work on social entrepreneurship ventures. We also provide counseling and psychologists to women in need. When women have a strong support group, they can empower each other to stand up against discrimination. 

Watch a short video to see how one women's support group worked together to make organic soap.
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ENTREPRENEURSHIP

PROBLEM
It is difficult for Tanzanian women to access the support they need to start their own small businesses, such as micro loans or advising. Earning an income for women means empowerment. When women contribute to their household's income, they are often more respected by their male peers and research has shown that women are likely to spend their money on their children's education.  

SOLUTION
The Dare Women's Foundation is working to help women start small businesses by providing micro loans and encouraging creativity and innovation. Some recent projects include making carpets out of littered produce bags, making shoes out of recycled tires, and making jewelry out of beads, fabric, and local plants. We always keep conservation in mind in each of our projects.

NUTRITION EDUCATION

PROBLEM
Without formal nutrition education in schools and communities, the diet of many Tanzanians consists of only starches and simple carbohydrates. While these foods keep them full, healthy fruits and vegetables are cheaper than carbohydrates and are readily available at markets. Community members, particularly the women who make food for the family, are not aware of the healthier options. 

SOLUTION
The Dare Women's Foundation works with women and school children to share knowledge about nutrition and the importance of balanced meals. Additionally, we help communities start organic farms that feed their families and provide a source of income while promoting conservation.