Fathers in Tanzania confront violence, starting at home

For 20-year-old Ashura, the change in her relationship with her father is reflected in one important difference: she can now share her problems and seek his advice without fear of being shouted at or physically punished. Her father is one of the men taking part in MenCare sessions through the urban AHADI Project. What was once a relationship of fear and hesitation has become one of trust, communication and understanding.

Her experience shows how men’s behaviour at home affects the safety and well-being of women and girls, and why engaging men is central to preventing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

Engaging men to prevent Sexual and Gender-Based Violence through MenCare

Through MenCare, under the Accelerated Hope and Development for Urban Adolescents in Tanzania (AHADI) Project, men and fathers participate in training sessions and community dialogues on:

• Positive fatherhood
• Gender equality
• Prevention of SGBV

Men are also encouraged to work with community protection structures.

Stanley’s story: Raising children without force

Stanley, 54, a resident of Dar es Salaam, used to believe a good father was strict, used corporal punishment and made sure every family member followed his instructions. MenCare training challenged that belief.

"I used to believe that a father had to be strict and use corporal punishment to make children obey him. I thought that was a man's responsibility in the family. However, through MenCare training, I learned that I could raise children, guide them, and earn their respect without using force or violence. I have started using conversations instead of physical punishment in my family," says Stanley.

The changes did not stop within his own household. Stanley began sharing the knowledge he had gained with other men, encouraging them to practice positive parenting, respect their partners and resolve family conflicts through dialogue rather than force. He has also helped two girls and a mother experiencing violence from her husband bring their concerns to the Community Protection and Security Committee.

"I realized the importance of reaching out to other men because I cannot change while others continue using violence," he says.

Women in Dar es Salaam notice changing attitudes toward violence

Martha, 47, remembers when some children would hide when their fathers came home, afraid of being shouted at, insulted or beaten. She has begun to see that change in some families, including her own: children are now happier to see their fathers and more comfortable around them.

Her neighbour, Felista, 51, recalls how beating women or forcing them to follow their husbands’ decisions was sometimes considered normal.

"There were beliefs that a man had all the authority in the family and could discipline his wife however he wished. Many women were not given an opportunity to express their opinions. However, through these discussions and training sessions, I have started seeing some men change, listen to women, and even challenge their fellow men when they engage in acts of violence,” says Felista.

She values both the men’s sessions and the joint sessions with women, but she is clear that discussion alone is not enough. Change must show in how men treat their partners, raise their children and respond when they witness violence. Men need continued opportunities to learn, reflect on their attitudes and take responsibility for their actions.

Change takes time: Shifting deep-rooted beliefs

Peter, a MenCare facilitator trained through AHADI, acknowledges the limits. Some men still hold on to beliefs that give men greater authority within families, and others need more time. But some have stopped physically punishing their children, show more care for their families, and now resolve conflict without violence.

"Not all men have changed, but we are seeing positive steps among some of those we engage in the training sessions. That is why we continue holding classes and discussions to help men keep learning,” explains Peter. “We help men understand that preventing violence begins with oneself. We discuss how to recognize signs of violence, how to prevent it, and where to report it when it occurs. More importantly, we guide them to understand that they have a responsibility to build safe families rather than becoming a source of fear and violence.”

MenCare also encourages men to collaborate with existing community protection structures, including Community Protection and Security Committees. This collaboration aims to ensure that people experiencing violence know where to report their concerns and receive assistance in accessing the support services they need. Relevant structures must uphold confidentiality, prioritize survivors' safety, respect their dignity and decisions, and ensure they are connected to appropriate services, such as legal support, and receive necessary follow-up.

⁠ 16 Days of Activism 2026: Justice for survivors, accountability from men

Each year from November 25 to December 10, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence calls for an end to violence against women and girls, which affects one in three women worldwide. The 2026 global theme is “UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls: Ensure justice, protect survivors, end impunity.” Community work like MenCare answers both halves of that call: men who stop using violence themselves, and men who help survivors reach justice systems that take their reports seriously and act on them. In Tanzania, this work also supports the National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children.

Harmful attitudes remain deeply rooted. But the experiences of Ashura, Stanley, Martha and Felista show that progress is possible. Success should be measured not by how many men attend sessions, but by what changes for women and girls: whether they are listened to and respected, can live without fear, and get protection and justice if they experience violence.

Violence against women and girls is not inevitable. Ending it starts with men taking responsibility, at home and in their communities.

The AHADI Project (2022-2029), funded by Global Affairs Canada, is implemented by World Vision Canada and World Vision Tanzania in Dar es Salaam and Dodoma with local partners.