Women Rays
Tanzania
Women Rays is a non-governmental organization in Tanzania that strives to provide education and information on HIV/AIDS. T.B and initiate income generating activities for all women regardless of their social economic status, political affiliation, age, religious, ethnic, race, and geographical background.
In 2009, Women Rays conducted a health project for 2 days. It was formulated for 150 rural poor women to reduce the maternal mortality rate by awareness education. Pregnant women were given pre natal checkups and immunized. Iron tablets were given to prevent aneamia.Small business development was initiated in 2010 whereby 24 women were given training in brick making. They are currently fully involved in the brick making in a coordinated and cooperative manner.
From April 10th to 20th 2011, the group brought together 30 women for discussion and workshops over a ten day period on good health practices, growing, cooking and using nutritious foods, household management and economy, running small business, improved methods of wearing and maintenance of sewing machines.
In August 2013 the group conducted five day seminar on infectious diseases and nutrition, followed by three weeks of workshops which dealt with imparting skills in sewing and crafts, soap and cosmetic making and cooking.
SHARE Sponsored Programs:
2015:
This project was a campaign against trafficking of women in Tanzania. The project targeted 20 women between the ages of 18-45 who have been trafficked or in danger of being trafficked because of poverty. A one-week workshop was offered by human rights specialists.
Success Story: One participant said “I used to sell my grain immediately after harvesting because of the unpredictability of future prices which often makes storage a risky business because prices vary widely. But after attending the workshop, I learned to store the grains and sell when the market is not flooded with grains.”
2014:
Women Rays trained 30 orphaned girls and 10 disadvantaged women with AIDS in tailoring and embroidery skills. Three women from the group were selected to be trainers of others in future training events.
The trainees utilized 20 sewing machines and 20 embroidery machines bought with project funds. Some of the trained women received contracts to make school uniforms. With the new income, the beneficiaries are able to provide their children with the books and supplies required to attend school. Additionally, the women with AIDS are able to pay for the medication they need to remain healthy. Some women are using their new income to build new homes for their families.
