ABOUT US

ABOUT US

WHO WE ARE

WE PROMOTE DECENT WORK FOR DOMESTIC WORKERS, COMBAT HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND FIGHTING AGAINST CHILD LABOUR.

WoteSawa is non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Mwanza, Tanzania. The organization has two branches offices Kasulu Kigoma region and in Ngara Kagera region.

WoteSawa is registered in Tanzania under the Non – Governmental Organizations Act, 2002 with registration number 00NGO/0009377. WoteSawa started as a group of Domestic Workers and in 2012 it was formally registered as a domestic worker in Tanzania.

The word “WoteSawa” is derived from Swahili languagewhich literally means “All equal”.WoteSawa was established by a child Domestic Worker who refused to remain silent and decided to take a bold step to advocate for their own basic rights.
The organization is implementing SDGs Goal agenda 2030 (mainly SDGs 8 and 16) and NPAVAWC2017/2018-2021/2022.

It focuses on advocating for the rights of Domestic Workers and counter human trafficking particularly child trafficking.
The contingent beneficiaries of our organization are Domestic Workers and Employers. The secondary beneficiaries are the parents and community members.

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.

VISION

To create a future where all domestic workers in Tanzania are engaged in safe and fairly compensated employment.

MISSION

We promote domestic workers and those exposed to the effects of human trafficking and child labour to understand, safeguard and reinforce their rights through social, economic and legal support.

OVERALL GOAL

To contribute to productive and decent environments of the domestic work which is also free from harmful child labour and human trafficking in Tanzania.

ANGELA BENEDICTO

Executive Director

SENIOR MANAGEMENT

The Founder & Executive Director (Angela Benedicto) works with a talented Senior Management Team of professionals to accomplish WoteSawa’s goals and mission.