As part of its ongoing mission to create safer communities, the Plan B program returned this April with a follow-up session in Msimbu, deepening its work around Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Building on the momentum of March’s awareness sessions in Kisarawe, this month’s gathering went beyond raising awareness; it equipped participants with real tools to understand, respond to, and prevent GBV within their own environments.
Facilitated by Celine Mwaimu, the Project Lead, and supported by Huruma Jacob, Community Development Officer (CDO) for Msimbu, the session drew in engaged community members ready to learn and reflect.
Zakia Msangi, a GBV and law facilitator, delivered a detailed and relatable explanation of GBV, highlighting how it is rooted in power imbalances and manifests in various harmful forms physical, sexual, emotional, economic, and through certain cultural practices. She carefully unpacked each type, showing how GBV affects both individuals and communities on many levels: from health and emotional wellbeing to economic independence and legal rights.
She also emphasized the real impact GBV has pointing to issues like trauma, HIV risk, poverty, and social breakdown. But it wasn’t just about identifying the problems Zakia highlighted where help can be found. From Gender and Children Desks at police stations to legal aid support from organizations like WiLDAF, and other helplines, she stressed that reporting early opens access to both medical and legal protection, especially in cases of sexual violence.
The session also included a focused counselling segment led by Aluwa Mikilindi, who shared how empowering girls economically can significantly reduce their vulnerability to violence. She spoke about the importance of knowing how to report abuse and reflected on the emotional toll violence takes within families. Her message connected prevention to empowerment reminding everyone that long-term safety starts with equipping girls and families with both support and opportunity.
This session was an enlightenment to people in Msimbu, stamping a mark that issues such as GBV should not be taken lightly. And as much as organizations and the local government put efforts toward fighting against such actions, the community also has a part to play and it was such a beautiful moment to see the community showed up and is ready to make sure that young girls and women are not limited or hindered by the actions of these unprogressive norms and beliefs.