Girls Empowerment: Our Bodies, Ourselves

In December, fifteen girls participated in a week-long workshop at The Girls Center. The presentations by several Tanzanian professionals focused on sexual and reproductive health and safety.The subjects of puberty, menstruation, sexual abuse, family planning, healthy sexual relationships, and self-defense are rarely discussed in schools or within families, and the girls were eager to learn. The discussions were animated, the role-playing was enlightening, and the self-defense practice was empowering and fun. Thanks to the skill of the presenters and our Director, Estahappy Mariki, the girls felt comfortable asking important questions and sharing their thoughts about their bodies, sex, gender roles in society, and preventing and handling unwanted sexual situations. Lots of laughter helped dispel embarrassment and keep the girls engaged.