In a major step toward scaling evidence-based solutions for domestic safety, Global Communities officially soft-launched the Familia Imara project in Dar es Salaam in February. This transformative initiative, part of the global “What Works to Prevent Violence: Impact at Scale” (What Works 2) program, convened civil society leaders, researchers, and stakeholders to align on strategies for protecting women and children across Tanzania.
A Global Strategy with Local Impact
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Familia Imara (Swahili for “Strong Family”) implements proven interventions to break the cycle of abuse while strengthening family well-being and child development.
Opening the event, Anna Wilson, Development Director at the British High Commission in Tanzania, underscored the project’s role in a broader international effort to apply rigorous evidence to gender-based violence prevention.
“Familia Imara is one of the strategies supported through What Works 2,” Wilson said. “Today’s event brings together development stakeholders, civil society organizations, and academic institutions to reflect on what works, where evidence gaps remain, and how we can work better together.”
The project has successfully completed its inception phase and is now transitioning into a two-year implementation period. While activities focus on the Mwanza, Mara, Dodoma, and Geita regions, Wilson emphasized that the learning and evidence generated will be shared nationally to inform broader decision-making.
Scaling Coordination and Services
Elfrida Kumalija, Senior Project Manager for Familia Imara at Global Communities Tanzania, introduced the project’s operational footprint, which spans 15 districts. The initiative focuses on high-level coordination with partners already active in nutrition, child development, and violence prevention.
“Today’s meeting was an opportunity to introduce Familia Imara to partners working on related issues and to exchange ideas on how we can strengthen implementation and outcomes,” Kumalija said. “We’ve received valuable feedback and started building relationships that will be important as the project moves forward.”
Key Program Pillars:
- Curriculum Development: Designing family education materials to promote safety and equity.
- Strategic Research: Conducting gender and equity studies to guide interventions.
- Policy Alignment: Supporting MTAKUWWA (Tanzania’s National Plan to Prevent and Respond to Violence Against Women and Children).
A Multi-Sectoral Partnership
The project highlights the power of collaboration. Yassin Ally, Executive Director of the NGO Kivulini, noted that the organization works closely with Global Communities, the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), and Emory University in the United States.
Together, these partners aim to strengthen families, promote improved nutrition, and ensure safe, nurturing environments for children’s upbringing. This launch marks a significant milestone for Global Communities, signaling a shift from planning to action in the mission to end violence against women and children in Tanzania.
