For 18 years, the Children’s Dignity Forum (CDF), a committed children’s rights NGO, has worked tirelessly to promote child rights in Tanzania. Through grassroots community mobilization, we’ve empowered thousands of children, young women, and community members to take action. Through our wide-reaching programs, we are creating a lasting impact in communities by addressing harmful practices, uplifting voices, and fostering inclusive growth.
Adolescents and young people accessed SRH and HIV services, including 61,338 females and 48,642 males, through public health facilities (64%) and community-based platforms (36%).
HIV testing among adolescents aged 15–19 in Tarime doubled, increasing from 8,680 in 2021 to 17,240 in 2025.
New HIV infections among adolescents declined by 68%, from 179 cases in 2021 to 58 cases in 2025.
Contraceptive uptake among young people aged 10–24 increased significantly, from 42.2% (8,839) in 2021 to 65.8% (13,680) in 2025.
Teenage pregnancy rates in Tarime declined by 15% from 2021 to 2025.
CDF played a catalytic role in national efforts to end child marriage, advocating for amendments to the Law of Marriage Act (1971) and joining other stakeholders to advance the school re-entry policy.
In collaboration with TECMN, six key recommendations on child marriage and re-entry were adopted by the Government and are currently under implementation.
Teen mothers were supported to start income-generating activities through entrepreneurship and financial literacy training, complemented by start-up kits to enable immediate business launch, strengthening their economic independence and resilience.
Of TuWezeshe Akina Dada fellows now lead NGOs or hold senior government positions
(1511 girls and young women, 1424 boys) increased knowledge on SRHR, life skills, leadership & outreach that extended support and information to 12,372 (4,128 Male & 8,244 Female)
Students (1,294 boys | 1,081 girls) and 75 young women linked with healthcare providers, Police Gender and Children Desk Officers, Social Welfare Officers, Magistrates, and Prosecutors that guaranteed them with accurate information and assured a safe space to raise their concerns regarding their SRHR, GBV and access available services.
Fathers across Mpwapwa, Tarime, and Kitunda are actively championing gender equality, inclusive education, and positive masculinity, while challenging harmful social norms.
Supported Women and Child Protection Committees in Ilala, Tarime, Mpwapwa, and Dar es Salaam Region by facilitating quarterly committee coordination meetings.
CDF strengthened child-friendly justice by constructing 7 Police Gender and Children Desks in Manyara and rehabilitating 3 in Rorya/Tarime, 3 desks and 1 police station in Kigoma Region and 1 stop centre in Mwananyamala, Dar es Salaam.
Provided audio-visual working equipment including screens, projectors, and cameras to Juvenile Units in Mpwapwa, strengthening child-sensitive case handling.
Improved service delivery at police gender desks by equipping 13 Gender Desks in Ilala, Dar es Salaam, and 1 in Kibakwe, Dodoma with essential ICT tools, including laptops, printers, and flash drives, to strengthen case management, reporting, documentation, and timely referral of GBV and VAC cases.
Facilitated the development of real time gender cases reporting system – GRRS in Tarime/Rorya Special Police Region and Mara Police Force, in order to improve and provide high quality services for GBV survivors at all levels as well as facilitating the availability of accurate data on GBV cases to Tanzania Police Force and all other stakeholders.
CDF club members are informed on SRHR, FGM, and child marriage.
(1492 females, 457 male) CDF empowered duty bearers including police, health workers, magistrates, prosecutors, investigators, and social welfare officers to protect child rights, prevent gender-based violence.