Tamcode Official

💧 Voices for Water: Women & Youth Leading Change in Mbinga

Stakeholders in Mbinga District have been urged to take collective action in protecting the environment and ensuring sustainable water resource management as population pressures continue to grow.

Speaking during a women and youth empowerment workshop, District Commissioner Hon. Kisare Makori emphasized the need for joint efforts to address climate challenges and safeguard natural resources for future generations.

The workshop, organized by Youth Environmental Justice and Gender Equality (YOGE), highlighted the critical role of water, with contributions from basin authorities stressing the importance of protecting the Ruvuma River. Participants were encouraged to become champions of environmental conservation in their communities.

Bringing together women and youth leaders, water governance actors, media practitioners, and local authorities, the session promoted inclusive and gender-responsive approaches to water management.

This initiative is part of the “Voices for Water” project, implemented by YOGE with support from IUCN’s BRIDGE Women Leadership Grants, in partnership with Tanzania Media for Community Development.

TAMCODE was honored to engage in high-level discussions with the Regional Administrative Secretary of Ruvuma Region, Hon. Advocate Mary Makondo, the Mbinga District Administrative Secretary Hon. Pendo Daniel, Acting Mbinga District Executive Director Mr. Emmanuel Ndunguru, and representatives from civil society organizations in Mbinga District.

The strong endorsement and constructive dialogue surrounding the Inclusive Freshwater Governance for Sustainable Communities in the Ruvuma Basin – “Voices for Water” initiative demonstrate a shared commitment to sustainable resource management, accountable governance, and community resilience.

Implemented by Youth Environmental Justice & Gender Equality (YOGE) and Tanzania Media for Community Development (TAMCODE), with generous support from International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the project is poised to directly benefit over 20,000 people through:

• Improved and equitable access to freshwater resources
• Strengthened local water governance systems
• Protection and restoration of critical freshwater ecosystems

The positive reception from regional and district leadership reflects strong political will and alignment with national and global sustainability priorities. We are deeply grateful for the hospitality, collaboration, and commitment demonstrated by the authorities and stakeholders across Ruvuma.

🌊 Voices for Water Launched in Ruvuma Region!

This week marks the official launch of the Inclusive Freshwater Governance for Sustainable Communities Project — widely known as Voices for Water — in Mbinga and Songea districts, Ruvuma Region.

TAMCODE is proud to be a partner in this transformative initiative implemented by YOGE with the generous support of IUCN through the BRIDGE Women Program.

The project aims to strengthen inclusive and sustainable water governance at the community level by:

✅ Empowering women and marginalized groups to actively participate in water management decisions
✅ Promoting climate-resilient practices to safeguard freshwater resources
✅ Supporting peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms around water use

The Ruvuma Regional Commissioner, Hon. Ahmed Abbas, emphasized the urgency of protecting water resources, noting that preventive action is essential as Tanzania advances toward the National Water Grid.

At TAMCODE, we believe water governance must be participatory, equitable, and forward-looking. By investing in inclusive leadership and community resilience today, we are securing sustainable access to water for future generations.

🤝 Partners: YOGE | IUCN (BRIDGE Women Program) | Ruvuma & Southern Coast Water Board

Day one of training with community radio journalists and digital platform creators in Sumbawanga, focused on promoting intangible cultural heritage.