Tanzania Women Architects for Humanity (TAWAH), was formed in June 2010 by a group of Tanzanian women architects and engineers, united by a strong commitment to enhancing social justice in the country and wider region. Since its establishment, TAWAH has designed and built a secondary school as well as additional classrooms in rural areas, improved existing homes in Northern Tanzania and built of affordable homes for flood victims in the capital city Dar es Salaam. 

This TAWAH project is based in Mhaga village, in rural Tanzania. It tackles housing poverty and the lack of gender equity in the construction sector. At the heart of the project is a training centre, where women learn to build affordable, environmentally friendly homes. Childcare is also provided to make it easier for women with young families to participate. The skills they gain are then used through TAWAH’s house building programme which in this case, is targeted at elderly residents in need in Mhaga. 

An important part of the construction and business development activity is the making of soil bricks. Earth is removed from the ground to lay foundations, mixed with other natural materials like sand and then moulded and dried into interlocking bricks. These are used to build homes and as a product that can be marketed to the wider community. 

Once the women are trained and have had hands on experience of construction, TAWAH helps them with employment opportunities, either within the organisation, in the wider construction sector or to set up their own businesses. 

Social Impact 

Through the project, elderly residents benefit from secure, comfortable homes, improving their well-being and helping them to age with dignity.  

Skilled male builders are also involved. They train women at the TAWAH centre and supply water and building materials to construction sites, using their own vehicles. TAWAH has gathered evidence that men are now working alongside their wives to renovate and improve their homes.  

The project’s social impact can be seen clearly from the number of women trained in construction, gaining skills which help them to become economically independent and empowered. Once trained, they can make soil bricks to resell, and have access to the construction sector job market which pays more than work that is traditionally assigned to them. They can feed that income back into their homes, families and communities and serve as strong role models for the younger generation. 

Through its connections to local government, TAWAH press for resources that will further support women’s economic progress, such as loans for home improvements and small business support.   

A key aspect of the project is how it partners with community members, students, volunteers, partner organisations and international universities, leading to greater awareness, insights and improvements.  

The project gains support from and strengthens the local community. It involves people from all age groups and genders, from extended families to local government leaders to school age students who can learn about construction and the importance of safe and secure housing, through to elders who participate in the design of their homes. 

Environmental Impact 

As well as using  freely available local soil which is turned into interlocking bricks, the also benefit from rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling.  

There is an emphasis on environmental education to promote a culture of stewardship within the community. Also, over the past three years, a total of 140 shading and fruit trees have been planted, contributing to biodiversity and environmental sustainability.  

Funding 

The project cost $107,000 USD, with funding secured until 2026 during which time another six houses will be built (making 12 in total). TAWAH relies on a combination of grants, donors, and fundraising events. It is also supported by a variety of partners including ITV Media, Zanzibar University, Tanzania Commercial Bank and the Building Research Institute.  

To ensure long-term sustainability, the organisation is exploring various income-generating activities, including; 

  • offering accredited fee-paying courses  
  • additional support for women’s construction cooperatives 
  • the sale of earth bricks  
  • and using 10 acres of recently acquired land to grow organic produce. 

Transfer and Expansion 

TAWAH’s training centre serves the most remote regions of Tanzania, due to its accommodation facilities which allow women from far and wide to participate in the programme. This in turn helps to embed new skills and knowledge throughout the country as ex-students promote and support change in their communities. They share their knowledge and skills with others upon returning home, spreading the benefits of low-cost housing and their increased earning potential to a wider audience.  

TAWAH aims to replicate this model across Tanzania, adapting to local resources. The ultimate goal is to establish satellite training centres in at least four regions, subject to securing future funding.  

Why it’s a World Habitat Award winner 

TAWAH works to counterbalance Tanzania’s male-dominated society and construction industry by empowering women at various levels to create changes in their communities and lives, whilst resolving the housing problems of vulnerable groups. This award recognises their efforts in promoting sustainable development, gender equality, and social inclusion. Additionally, it acknowledges the importance of reducing housing’s carbon footprint and protecting the environment. 

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