In the Mtwara region of Tanzania, the Familia Moja Initiatives: Amplifying Change for Sustainable Peace project is changing lives by strengthening families as the foundation of peace and stability. Implemented by Global Peace Women (GPW) Tanzania under the Global Women Dream Grant Projects in partnership with the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Tanzania, the project emphasizes that peace begins in the home and is a shining example of how grassroots efforts can create lasting change in communities. This initiative, which ran from August to December 2024, focused on strengthening family values, promoting economic empowerment, and fostering peacebuilding at the family and community levels.

The Familia Moja Initiatives were born out of a deep understanding that families are the cornerstone of society. “The family is the first school where individuals learn values like dignity, respect, and cooperation,” explained GPW Tanzania country leader Irene Ishengoma. “Yet, it is also where conflicts and gender-based violence often begin.” The project aimed to address these challenges by empowering vulnerable families to become champions of peace, starting within their own homes and radiating outward to their communities.

Irene Ishengoma

The project targeted two wards in the Mtwara region—Msimbati and Nanguruwe—where families face significant socio-economic challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and gender-based violence. By engaging both women and men in dialogues, training, and income-generating activities, the initiative sought to create a culture of inclusivity, cooperation, and shared responsibility within families.

At the core of the Familia Moja Initiatives is the belief that women are key catalysts for peace and development. GPW’s approach emphasizes the intrinsic value and leadership potential of women, recognizing their unique ability to influence positive change within their families and communities. Through the project, women were equipped with skills in entrepreneurship, financial management, and conflict resolution, enabling them to take on leadership roles both at home and in their neighborhoods.

One of the project’s participants, Mrs. Mshamu from Msimbati ward, shared how the initiative transformed her life: “Through the dialogues, I realized the importance of my voice in community matters. I now actively participate in meetings and contribute to discussions that affect my family and the wider community.”

Economic stability is a critical component of peacebuilding, and the Familia Moja Initiatives addressed this by providing families with the tools and resources to generate sustainable income. The project supported two vulnerable families by providing them with motorcycles, which they used to start transportation businesses. This not only improved their financial situation but also created employment opportunities for others in the community.

The motorcycles enabled the families to increase their incomes, contributing to household needs and savings, and ultimately improving their standard of living. “Being chosen to participate in this project has been a tremendous blessing,” said Jamal Mfaume, a participant from Nanguruwe ward. “Our socio-economic situation has improved significantly.”

The project also focused on strengthening family values and promoting peaceful conflict resolution. Through a series of dialogues, families were encouraged to develop action plans for addressing internal conflicts and fostering cooperation. These sessions emphasized the importance of positive parenting, inclusive decision-making, and mutual respect between spouses.

The Familia Moja Initiatives exemplify the power of women’s leadership, family cooperation, and economic empowerment in driving sustainable peace and development. When families thrive, communities prosper. When peace begins in the home, it radiates outward to transform society.

“This project has instilled hope, unity, and self-sufficiency in our community,” Irene Ishengoma reflected, “creating a foundation for sustainable peace and prosperity that will endure for generations.”

Learn more about GPW’s work in empowering Women and Families in Peacebuilding. Together, we can build a world where peace truly begins at home.