Big Ideas, Real Impact.
As we move forward, we stay guided by our core principle: Mwandamo is about more than just the numbers. Our priority is ensuring that no woman in Northern Tanzania feels left behind, and that everyone we work with feels truly heard and respected.
Click below to read our full Annual Report 2025
At Mwandamo, we believe in sustainable, community-driven development.
Below you’ll find our current initiatives and a record of completed projects that continue to shape lives.
Projects in progress…
More than 500 women and girls will receive dignity kits containing reusable pads, underwear, and soap for a year, ensuring safe and sustainable menstrual care.
Distribution of 500+
Reusable Pad Kits
We are working with women in local communities to identify two rural dispensaries most in need of renovation and essential supplies, ensuring better healthcare access where it matters most.
R&D for Renovation of Rural Dispensaries
Creating safe, intimate spaces for up to ten women, girls, and even men and boys at a time to learn, connect, and share together on women’s health topics, self awareness, practical self-care, and confident self-advocacy.
Host 50 Mwandamo Circles
Thanks to a generous donation from Saalt, 1,000 menstrual cups will be distributed to women and girls in our communities. We are already beginning conversations and education on how to use them safely and confidently.
Distribution of 1,000 Menstrual Cups
Our free menstrual cycle tracking service is now live in Tanzania! By dialing *149*46*16# on any mobile phone, women can easily register to access information and support. We intend to keep this service free for users, and are currently have over 1,000 subscribers!
Mwandamo Menstrual Cycle Tracking USSD
We’ve welcomed new Community Health Officers to the Mwandamo team! Together, we’re building capacity to reach more communities and strengthen our impact on women’s health.
Training of Community Health Officers
Provide and Distribute Mwandamo Birth Kits
Launch and distribute the Mwandamo Birth Kits containing 3 pairs of sterile gloves, a roll of cotton, a baby hat, baby socks, clothes soap, body soap, 4 x reusable maternity pads, a cord tie and a kanga (African fabric piece) all within a hand made Mwandamo cotton bag.
Mwandamo’s vision is to establish a Women’s Health Centre in Arusha, Tanzania, providing accessible, inclusive care for all. With a flexible fee structure, the Centre will ensure no woman is left behind, offering services such as nutritional guidance, mental health support, and maternity care.
OUR BIG GOAL!!
Completed Projects
Highlights from our past work that continue to make an impact
-
In 2022, we helped renovate the outdated Oltukai Dispensary which serves 2700 women. Since then, it has become a cornerstone of general health, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care in the area. Its revamped facilities and services have made it the preferred choice, attracting women to travel from larger towns to this small rural village
-
In addition to renovating the dispensary, access to fresh water remains a critical issue in this community. Mwandamo funded the installation of 17 water storage tanks (each 5,000 litres) and rooftop guttering at the primary school, teachers' housing, village offices, and the dispensary. This water collection initiative now directly benefits more than 5,200 people.
-
In 2024, we have hosted 10 women's circles, each attended by 10 to 20 women. These gatherings provide a safe space for conversation, education, sharing, and healing. By fostering an environment where women feel heard and valued, we take the first step toward empowerment and meaningful change.
-
Mwandamo is committed to ending period poverty—the lack of access to menstrual products, education, and hygiene facilities that affects millions of women and girls worldwide. Period poverty not only impacts health and dignity but also hinders education and economic opportunities, perpetuating cycles of inequality. By addressing this issue, Mwandamo empowers women and girls to live healthier, more confident lives. So far Mwandamo has distributed 650 reusable sanitary kits to women and girls.
-
Mwandamo collaborated and contributed to a Miscarriage Awareness Film by hosting a healing women's circle and actively participating in the creative process. This aimed to foster understanding, provide support, and break the silence surrounding miscarriage, creating a space for shared experiences and awareness.
-
Caroline designed and led Mwandamo's first official antenatal (pre-birth) workshop, bringing her extensive expertise as a midwife and firsthand understanding as a mother of two. Her compassionate approach provided invaluable guidance and support to expectant mothers, ensuring they received the best care throughout their pregnancy journey.
-
Mwandamo is a co-author on Dr Emily Pfender's manuscript titled Dialogue for Dignity: How Communication Shapes Menstrual Health Outcomes in Tanzania (Journal: Social Science & Medicine). This collaboration highlights the critical role of communication in improving menstrual health awareness and outcomes, with a focus on empowering communities in Tanzania.
-
Mwandamo USSD-based platform is be designed to break the silence around menstrual health, empower girls to stay in school, and open up conversations about reproductive health. It is a completely free service available on any mobile phone.
-
We officially opened the new Esilalei Maternity Ward on the 22nd of May.
Locations
Oltukai Dispensary - completed.
Esilalei Maternity Facility - completed.
Yaeda Valley - one location of remote women’s circles held with the Hadzabe Tribe.
