Women with disabilities often face multiple layers of discrimination, both as women and as persons with disabilities. Economic marginalization, social exclusion, and limited access to opportunities create barriers that hinder their ability to thrive. Recognizing this challenge, Aneth Gerana, a Global Peace Women (GPW) Tanzania project leader, initiated the “Empower Women with Disabilities through Economic Generation” project from July to December 2024 in Tanzania’s Rufiji District. With her initiative, she set out to break these barriers by equipping 40 women with entrepreneurial skills, seed capital, and essential tools to improve their livelihoods.

With support from GPW’s Global Women Dream Grant, the initiative went beyond economic empowerment. It fostered leadership, inclusion, and peacebuilding, ensuring that women with disabilities became active contributors to their families and communities. By integrating business training with mentorship and community engagement, the project empowered participants not just to run businesses but also to challenge traditional African gender roles and provide dignity and respect to once-marginalized women.

Aneth Gerana

Through a structured training program spanning 32 hours, women gained both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in starting and managing small businesses. The provision of seed capital and business tools, including gas ovens and rental support, ensured that participants had the resources to put their learning into practice.

One such example is Kilio, a participant who had never considered running a business before joining the program. Inspired by her training, she immediately started selling cakes and bajias in her community. Her newfound ability to generate income not only improved her family’s well-being but also positioned her as a role model for others facing similar struggles. Her success story highlights how economic empowerment can lead to greater self-confidence, resilience, and social transformation.

GPW emphasizes the role of women in peacebuilding, recognizing that when women are economically and socially empowered, they strengthen their families and foster stability in their communities. This project embodied that principle by enabling women with disabilities to become self-sufficient, reducing dependency and positioning them as active agents of change.

By engaging with local leaders and leveraging community networks, the project also challenged societal perceptions of disability. Instead of being seen as passive recipients of aid, these women emerged as entrepreneurs, leaders, and peacebuilders. They proved that when given opportunities, women with disabilities can drive positive change, inspire others, and contribute to lasting social cohesion. The Rufiji District Council committed to providing continued support, including soft loans for business expansion.

Beyond the economic benefits, this project created a values-based shift—challenging stereotypes, fostering inclusivity, and proving that investing in women with disabilities is an investment in peace, development, and a stronger society. As GPW continues to champion initiatives that empower women and families, this project serves as powerful evidence of the transformative impact of inclusive economic empowerment.

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.