Dar es Salaam
In East Africa, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom has been managing projects in Tanzania and Kenya from 1991. Since the early 1990s, Tanzania has been going through a political and economic transition process towards a pluralistic political system and a free market economy.
The Foundation supports its partners to build political leadership and party structures. We assist in strengthening civil society for democratic legitimate governance that guarantees and protects freedom of opinion, freedom of assembly, accountability and that creates opportunities for development and growth. The Foundation supports political partners to foster pluralistic societies and multiparty political
News
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A myth of free and fair elections: Reflections from the hospital’s window
From a hospital bed, Dr. Nasra Nassor Omar reflects on Tanzania's marred local government elections, rife with voter suppression, fraud, and violence. She recounts attacks on colleagues like Erick Yugalila Venance and the erasure of opposition candidates. Watching life outside her window, Omar draws strength from the resilience of Tanzanians who stood against corruption. Despite the pain, she grapples with democracy’s worth, concluding that the fight for justice and equality is essential.
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Tanzanian Maasai voices in transformative bid to tackle early marriages and GBV
Traditional female circumcisers abandon their tools and to join hands with women and male elders to end risky traditional practices. They now favour transformative socio-economic empowerment, a decision that is significantly changing the face and fate of women and girls in their community. This collective effort is fostering a safer and more equitable environment, heralding a new era of health, education, and opportunity for future generations.
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A Critical Third-Eye Lens
As a Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation at ACT Wazalendo, my journey into the world of electoral observation has been a transformative one. Coming from the historical hub of election chaos in Zanzibar, I had the opportunity to participate in an International Election Observer Mission in South Africa from 24th to 31st May 2024, which proved to be a profound learning experience. This article aims to share the insights and lessons I've gathered, while exploring the nuanced and flexible nature of democracy across the African continent.
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Save the girls
Find out how a foundation project with KWIECO is supporting the Maasai community on Kilimanjaro to overcome the cruel tradition of genital mutilation. Despite the ban, girls are circumcised at Christmas time. Read the moving story of Nanyori and the courageous change in her village.
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The Perception of the Ukraine War Among African Populations
A survey commissioned by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom finds that 77% of Tanzanians are against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, despite the government’s refusal to condemn the war at the UN. The finding is reflective of a broader pattern across Eastern and Southern Africa, which highlights the increasing disconnect between citizens views, and the actions, or lack thereof, of their representatives at the national level.
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Challenging Social Norms that Violate the Rights of Women in Maasai Communities
The Maasai community is known globally for its vibrant traditions, culture, and dress code. Behind the beauty of the culture and smiles, women are living in the darkness of poverty and suppressive cultural practices. A Maasai girl is considered a source of wealth for the family, thus “property of her father”, that she can be married off at tender age to an elderly man and in case the husband passes on, she will be “inherited” by her in-laws especially the husbands’ brother or eldest son.
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Inspiring Women 2022
It is not easy and I realised that all over the world, women are facing common challenges that men do not face in the same leadership roles. Our communities expect so much from women but at the same time, they need us to be careful and follow their rules. Our societies think that if a woman becomes a leader or politician, she should not dress in a certain way and she should communicate in a certain way, something that is not expected from men.