Donate Now
SAWA Club members and mentors raising their fists outside their school

Empowerment. Equality. Impact.

Through advocacy, education, leadership development, community engagement, and the creative power of music and arts, we seek to transform awareness into action and opportunities into lasting impact.

DonateOur programs

We believe in empowerment that builds confidence and leadership, equality in rights and opportunities, and impact that lasts. SAWA works with young people, women and communities across Tanzania to make that real.

Who we are

SAWA means equal

SAWA Initiative is a Tanzanian non-governmental organisation. We promote and protect human rights, empower women and strengthen the systems that keep children safe, because everyone deserves the same safety, dignity and chances in life.

More about us
SAWA team members and partners making the equals sign with their arms beside a SAWA Clubs banner
Make the sign!
A partner and a SAWA team member making the equals sign with their arms beside a SAWA Clubs banner
Equal!

Growing every year

Our Impact in Numbers

  • Schools with SAWA Clubs
  • Students reached
  • Community events
  • Partners & allies

Our story

Change you can see

Working hand in hand with students, families and partners, one school and one community at a time.

  • A student holding a sign reading Haki ya Kulindwa, the right to protection
  • A volunteer sitting with students during a club session
  • A SAWA team member handing out notebooks in a clinic waiting room
  • A club member in a SAWA cap listening closely

  • SAWA's cornerstone is equality: every woman and child safe, heard and valued.

    About SAWA
  • A SAWA team member fist-bumping a young child in the street

  • In every SAWA Club, students learn their rights and a safe way to speak up.

    Explore the clubs
  • A mentor talking to a school assembly under the trees
  • SAWA with a group of women partners

  • From clinic waiting rooms to world forums, we carry their voices further.

    See our impact
  • Club members laughing together in class
  • A mentor handing out SAWA Club T-shirts
SAWA Club members cheering with a club leader in the schoolyard

Spotlight

SAWA Clubs for Safe Schools

In SAWA Clubs, students learn their rights, practise speaking up and look out for one another. Trained teachers and SAWA mentors guide every club, so each school has a safe place to ask for help.

  • #ShuleSalama
  • #MimiSalama
Explore the clubsStart a club

Get involved

Twende pamoja, let's go together

Questions?

Things people often ask

Quick answers about SAWA, our clubs, volunteering and getting help.

See all FAQsAsk us
What does SAWA mean?

SAWA is a Swahili word meaning "equal". It sums up what we work for: a Tanzania where women and children are treated equally and live free from violence.

What is a SAWA Club?

SAWA Clubs for Safe Schools are student clubs where children learn their rights, practise speaking up safely and look out for each other, guided by trained mentors.

Explore the clubs
How can my school start a SAWA Club?

Send us a message using the contact form and choose "SAWA Club" as the topic. Our team will get in touch to talk about how a club could work at your school.

Contact us
How do I become a volunteer?

Fill in the application on our Volunteer page. Pick the roles that interest you and tell us when you are available, and our team will be in touch.

Apply to volunteer
I or someone I know is experiencing violence. Where can I get help?

If someone is in immediate danger, contact the police straight away; police stations have Gender and Children's Desks. Children can call the free national Child Helpline on 116. You can also reach our team and we will help connect you with support.

How can I donate?

You can donate by bank transfer to our CRDB Bank account. Our Donate page has the account details and lets you email us once you have paid, so we can confirm and thank you.

Donate now