Stock taking three and a half years of the Chaguo Langu Haki Yangu Programme.

Earlier this month, we had the privilege of hosting a two-day stock-taking event to reflect on the journey of the Chaguo Langu Haki Yangu (CLHY) programme, a journey spanning over three and a half years of bold action, meaningful partnerships, and community-driven change. The programme is funded by the Finnish Government through the Embassy of Finland Dar es salaam and implemented with support from UNFPA.

Before a single speech was delivered, participants including government officials, representatives of organizations of persons with disabilities, development partners, civil society leaders, and young beneficiaries were guided through an interactive gallery walk of impact. Posters and photo displays lined the entry hall, showcasing key programme milestones: life-skills sessions with out-of-school girls, the launch of disability data systems, economic empowerment initiatives, and the establishment of One-Stop Centers across the country, made possible through funding from the Embassy of Finland. Behind each milestone was a story of transformation a life changed by the CLHY project.

Mariam Adam, one of the CLHY beneficiaries at the gallery walk.

The tone for the gathering was set by the understanding that this was not just a technical review it was also a celebration of collective courage and hard work from all implementing partners, programme stakeholders, supporters and funders. From there, key speakers took the stage.

UNFPA Country Representative Mark Schreiner outlined the strides made: physical violence against women decreased from 22.3% in 2015 to 17.9% in 2022, and FGM declined from 10.3% to 8.2%. He also acknowledged the unfinished work particularly in regions like Mara, where child marriage and GBV persist.

UNFPA Country Representative Mark Schreiner.

Sanna-Liisa Taivalmaa, Finland’s Deputy Head of Cooperation, reaffirmed Finland’s commitment to gender equity and praised local leaders and partners for driving change in hard-to-reach places.

“Sustainable change starts when we invest in people, not just policies.” - Ms. Liisa-Taivalmaa.

Our Guest of Honor, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Community Development Gender, Elders and Children Zanzibar, Ms. Abeida Rashid Abdalla, shone a light on Zanzibar’s achievements and trials. She applauded UNFPA’s sensitivity to the hurdles faced by women and girls with disabilities, and Finland’s generosity in underwriting policy shifts that are helping girls live free from violence. Yet she reminded us of stubborn myths and traditions that still lock doors.

“If we’re to break these chains, boys and men must walk through them with us.”- Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Community Development Gender, Elders and Children Zanzibar, Ms. Abeida Rashid Abdalla.

No sooner had the applause died down than participants were invited to watch the premiere of the Chaguo Langu Haki Yangu documentary which brought the audience face-to-face with the realities behind the data. Through testimonies from beneficiaries and reflections from local and national leaders, the film painted a picture of transformation in motion. As the credits rolled, the room filled with reflections about the programme from the audience: Motivating, Inclusive & Sustainable.

Participants watching the CLHY documentary.

The event also explored the technical backbone of the programme’s success. Presenters from both the Mainland and Zanzibar walked participants through the evolution of national strategies, including MTAKUWWA I and II. Stakeholders also discussed how to make GBV services more approachable especially for survivors hesitant to engage with formal institutions, a key service being the 116 National Child Helpline. Police officers shared how new training, community outreach, and infrastructure upgrades (like child- and disability-friendly rooms) are breaking down fear and stigma.

One particularly powerful moment came from Pastor Amosi, who shared how he used a funeral sermon to speak out against GBV. “People listened, and they understood. Our pulpits must also be platforms for change.”

Nothing drove home the programme’s impact more than the voices of those it was built for.

Rehema Joshua, once reliant on handouts, now employs over 30 people through her cleaning enterprise in Kahama. She leads trainings, mentors’ youth with disabilities, and has reached more than 2,000 people with her advocacy. Her words were simple, but powerful:

“I’m not waiting for charity anymore. I’m building opportunity.” -Ms. Rehema Joshua one of the programme's beneficiaries.

Ghati Mahamba, a young woman with a disability, shared how IT training helped her launch a freelance career. “I used to depend on the streets. Now I work from my laptop.”

These success stories are proof that, when equipped with the right tools, communities create change from within.

In her closing remarks, Melissa McNeil-Barrett UNFPA Deputy Country Representative called on all partners to continue turning support into action. And Ms. Maryam Juma Saadala of the Zanzibar First Vice President’s Office urged stakeholders to aim for a 30% reduction in GBV cases over the next five years together.

Melissa McNeil-Barrett UNFPA Deputy Country Representative during her closing remarks.

With UNFPA’s technical guidance, Finland’s steadfast support, and the efforts of all implementing partners and stakeholders, we are committed to listening to communities first. Chaguo Langu Haki Yangu has grown from a concept into a movement. A movement grounded in rights, led by people, and driven by shared values.

The programme is funded by the Finnish Government through the Embassy of Finland Dar es salaam and implemented with support from UNFPA.

Prepared by C-Sema's Communication Team.