Kahama

Chaguo Langu Haki Yangu 'My Rights My Choices' Program Overview.

We are proud to serve as an Implementing Partner for the Chaguo Langu Haki Yangu 'My Rights My Choices' program, a transformative initiative spearheaded by UNFPA, the United Nations Sexual and Reproductive Health Agency, in collaboration with the Embassy of Finland in Tanzania. Spanning a period of three and a half years (2021-2025), this program is designed to safeguard and enhance the rights and choices of women and girls, with a particular focus on those with disabilities, through a comprehensive response to gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful practices such as early, forced, and child marriage, as well as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

The program is aligned with the National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children (NPA-VAWC) in Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, serving as a pivotal component in the nation's commitment to combatting gender-based violence and promoting gender equality.

The Chaguo Langu Haki Yangu program directly benefits adolescent girls and young women, especially those with disabilities, residing in Shinyanga (Kishapu and Kahama districts), Mara Region (Tarime and Butiama districts), and in Zanzibar (Urban district in Unguja and Chake Chake district in Pemba). These individuals are either vulnerable to or survivors of GBV, FGM, and child marriage. Additionally, indirect beneficiaries include affected families, targeted communities, and government institutions, whose capacities will be bolstered to prevent and respond to GBV, FGM, and child marriage, while upholding the rights of women and girls, particularly those with disabilities.

Program Goals include;

• Legislative Development: The program aims to develop, implement, and enforce national laws, policies, and plans that prevent GBV and harmful practices, ensuring the protection of women and girls, especially those with disabilities, at risk, and addressing the needs of affected individuals.

• Access to Services: Enhancing access to multi-sectoral and disability-inclusive GBV, FGM, and child marriage prevention, protection, and mitigation services for women and girls, particularly those with disabilities.

• Empowerment Through Awareness: Engaging young women and girls, particularly those with disabilities, in gender-transformative activities to increase awareness of gender norms, empower them with the knowledge and skills to claim their rights, and access multi-sectoral health, social, and protection services.

• Community Mobilization: Increasing the role played by communities, including community groups, influential leaders, and men and boys, in leading community mobilization efforts to prevent and respond to GBV, child marriage, and FGM against women and girls, particularly those with disabilities.

• Data and Documentation: Enhancing the availability and access to data, evidence, documentation, and lessons learned on GBV, FGM, and child marriage, including the increased vulnerability of people with disabilities.

  
  

Chaguo Langu Haki Yangu 'My Rights My Choices' program reaffirms the fundamental principle that individuals have the right to choose the direction of their lives and to advocate for their rights. Through its multi-faceted approach, this program endeavors to create a more inclusive and equitable society where the rights and choices of all women and girls, particularly those with disabilities, are respected, protected, and upheld.