ABOUT US
WHO WE ARE
WoteSawa (All Equal) is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) based in Mwanza, Tanzania with a branch in Kasulu Kigoma region.
WoteSawa, which literally means (all are equal), has evolved into an established and unique forum in which child domestic workers are represented and are able to address their interest and rights as one of the most vulnerable groups to abuse and exploitation in Tanzania. WoteSawa also acts as bridge between child domestic workers, government leadership, employers and law enforcers in advancing the interests of child domestic workers.
Currently, WoteSawa is registered to empower current and former Child Domestic Workers (CDWs) to understand, safeguard, promote and reinforce their rights through legal and economic empowerments, psychosocial support, policy reforms and child abuse monitoring. Under NGO Act, with registration number 00NGO/0009377.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS/EVENTS
2012-2014
- WoteSawa transformed from a Domestic Workers’ group into a legally registered organization advocating for the rights of Domestic Workers in Tanzania.
- Establishment of WoteSawa’s first temporary shelter in Mwanza for assisting victims of Human Trafficking and survivors of abuse and exploitation.
- WoteSawa participated at the adoption of the Domestic Workers Convention, No.189, in Geneva in 2011.
2015-2017
- In 2015 WoteSawa Executive Director, Ms. Angela Benedicto, was awarded the Queen’s Young Leaders Award by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: for promoting the rights of child domestic workers in Tanzania.
- WoteSawa expanded its operations to Kigoma region (Kasulu, Kibondo and Kakonko districts) and Kagera region (Ngara district).
- Establishment of WoteSawa Safe House for assisting victims of Human Trafficking and survivors of Violence Against Women and Children in Kasulu district-Kigoma region.
2018-2020
- Faustine Ndugulile, former Deputy Minister of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children, and Hon. Anthony Mavunde, former Deputy Minister, Prime Minister’s Office (Work, Youth, and Employment), paid visits to WoteSawa.
- WoteSawa was awarded a certificate of recognition by the Government of Tanzania for its contribution towards combatting Human Trafficking in Tanzania.
- WoteSawa was registered by the Tanzania government as a legal aid provider.
- WoteSawa was recognized by The Foundation for Civil Society for outstanding impact in engaging with government for social change by an award presented during The CSO Excellence Awards.
- WoteSawa participated in the preparation of the National Guidelines for Establishment and Management of Safe Houses for Victims of Trafficking in Persons and Survivors of Violence.
2021-2022
- WoteSawa was privileged to be visited by the US Ambassador to Tanzania, His Excellency Donald J. Wright, delegations from the US Embassy.
- Three permanent secretaries from the Ministries of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children; Home Affairs; and Constitutional and Legal Affairs visited WoteSawa Safe House to learn more about its operations.
- WoteSawa Safe House was visited by the Deputy Minister of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Hon Mwanaidi Ali Khamis (MP).
- WoteSawa was visited by Kulczyk Foundation and CNN for documentation of human trafficking and domestic servitude cases.
- WoteSawa is maintaining its Development partners since 2014.
- WoteSawa is Networking and participating with other like minded CSOs.
The organization is implementing SDGs agenda 2030 and NPAVAWC 2017/2018-2021/2022. It focuses on advocating for the rights of Child Domestic Workers (CDWs) and counter human trafficking particularly Child Trafficking. Its formulation was stipulated by Child Domestic Workers who refused to remain silent to advocate for their own basic rights.
The overall goal of the organization is to contribute to the reduction of all forms of abuse and exploitation against Child Domestic Workers in Tanzania, through legal, economic empowerment and other interventions strategies.
The Key Beneficiaries of our Charity Organization are Child and Young Domestic Workers and Employers. The Secondary Beneficiaries are the Parents/Guardians & community members.