GPF Tanzania Advances Grassroots Peacebuilding from Families to Communities

Wairimu Mwangi

February 20, 2026

A woman in a black and white floral dress and headscarf sits in a blue plastic chair indoors, with a window and greenery behind her—reflecting GPF Tanzania’s commitment to grassroots peacebuilding within communities.

Rabia Juma, a trained Champion in Michenjele Ward

Across communities around the world, Global Peace Foundation (GPF) recognizes that sustainable peace begins in the home and is strengthened through families. Women play a central role in this process, not only as caregivers but as leaders, educators, and advocates for dignity and justice. Through its Women and Families in Peacebuilding approach, GPF supports community-driven efforts that empower women and families to address conflict, protect the vulnerable, and foster cultures of peace. In southern Tanzania, this commitment is reflected through the Malkia wa Amani initiative, where trained community champions are transforming lives and strengthening family relationships at the grassroots level.

The impact of this work is evident in the courage and leadership of women and men who step forward to address gender-based violence, family neglect, and social injustice. In Michenjele Ward, Rabia Juma intervened in a case involving a young woman suffering abuse within a polygamous marriage. By offering emotional support, engaging local leadership, and escalating the matter to security authorities when necessary, Rabia helped bring an end to the abuse and restore the woman’s right to live in peace. Her actions demonstrate how empowered women can protect families and uphold dignity through peaceful and lawful means.

A woman in a brightly patterned dress sits on a chair in a sparsely furnished room, with papers and a notebook visible in the foreground—reflecting her commitment to grassroots peacebuilding.

Elizabeth George, a teacher, and Malkia wa Amani at Michenjele Secondary School

Education and family responsibility are also central to peacebuilding. Elizabeth George, a teacher and community champion, recognized that a bright student was at risk of losing his future due to family instability and lack of support. By engaging the student’s biological mother and contributing her own resources, Elizabeth helped ensure that he could continue his education. Her intervention highlights the role of educators and families in nurturing hope, responsibility, and opportunity for young people, which are essential foundations for peaceful societies.

Peacebuilding also requires accountability within public institutions that serve families and women. In Nanguruwe, Yahaya Saidi Hamisi, a community reporter and champion under the Malkia wa Amani initiative, responded to concerns from women who experienced neglect and mistreatment at a local health centre. By documenting community experiences and working with social welfare officers and health authorities, Yahaya helped bring about improvements in service delivery, particularly for expectant mothers. This effort strengthened trust between families and public institutions and affirmed the importance of respectful care for women.

Family harmony and respect for elders remain core values within strong communities. Rajabu Mtota, a village leader and peace champion, addressed a case of elder abuse by intervening firmly and responsibly. His leadership restored care and respect within the family and reinforced the message that protecting the vulnerable is a shared responsibility. Such actions reflect how local leadership can reinforce positive family values and prevent conflict before it escalates.

An older man wearing a light hat and plaid shirt sits in a blue plastic chair in a bare room with unfinished walls, reflecting on how grassroots peacebuilding is shaping stronger communities.

Rajabu Mtota, Village Chairperson of Nanguruwe and a Champion under the Malkia wa Amani initiative

These stories from southern Tanzania reflect the heart of GPF’s work in women and families in peacebuilding. Through a close partnership with Global Peace Women (GPW), GPF advances a shared commitment to strengthening families as the foundation of peaceful and resilient societies. By equipping community champions with values-based leadership skills, practical tools, and sustained support, GPF and GPW empower women and men to serve as agents of peace within their homes and communities. Through initiatives such as Malkia wa Amani, this partnership continues to nurture resilient families, accountable local leadership, and a culture of peace grounded in strong family values, mutual respect, and community responsibility

Access related stories and past articles on Global Peace Foundation Tanzania’s work in strengthening families below:

Addressing Gender-Based Violence by Building Stronger Families

Strengthening Communities and Empowering Youth: GPF Tanzania’s December 2024 Highlights