Women's Development Programme in Tanzania — Art in Tanzania
What is it? The Women's Development Programme places international students and volunteers alongside women in Tanzanian villages to build skills, expand awareness of their rights, and create real economic opportunity — spanning entrepreneurship training, women's rights education, English and IT training, health awareness, and advocacy. It is run by Art in Tanzania (AIT), a community-development NGO founded in 1996.
Where? Villages and community spaces around Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
How long? Flexible — the programme runs continuously year-round, with duration adjustable to your academic schedule and goals.
Working hours? 6 hours per day, Monday to Friday.
Who joins? AIT typically hosts 15–40 international students at a time, drawn from over 1000 partner universities worldwide.
What challenge does the programme address?
Many of the women AIT works with lack access to education that would enable them to start or grow a small business, and many are unaware of their basic human rights. Young mothers in particular face acute vulnerability — navigating poverty, caregiving, and limited support where competition for livelihoods is intense. AIT's response is practical, educational, and rights-based, equipping women with skills, knowledge, and networks that create lasting change.
What does the Women's Development Programme involve?
Your placement is tailored to your academic background, skills, and interests. Work spans several interconnected areas:
- Entrepreneurship and business skills training — teaching practical skills to start and sustain small businesses — from horticulture and product development to market identification and financial management, with an emphasis on application rather than mere awareness.
- Women's rights education — helping women understand their fundamental human rights in accessible ways, so they can recognise and respond to problematic situations with confidence.
- English and IT training — delivering vocational training in English language skills and basic digital literacy, opening doors to communication, education, and economic participation.
- Health and medical awareness — supporting health information sessions and expanding access to medical services and health literacy among women and their families.
- Social media and advocacy — raising awareness of women's issues across Tanzania through AIT's social media channels, amplifying the voices and stories of the women in the programme.
Can I bring my own ideas?
Yes — the programme actively invites interns to bring their own thinking. If you have an approach, method, or project idea that could strengthen the fieldwork, AIT wants to hear it; some of its most effective initiatives have come directly from intern innovation. Teamwork is central: interns collaborate across education, health, business, communications, and community development to achieve outcomes none could reach alone.
How does the placement work?
Daily work includes practical fieldwork in villages and community spaces, programme planning, reporting, and visibility activities. Your placement is fully customised to your background and interests. AIT looks for multi-professional students and interns who bring creativity, commitment, and their own ideas — innovation is expected, not just welcomed.
Who runs the programme, and since when?
Art in Tanzania (AIT) has placed approximately 250 participants annually in hands-on community programmes across Tanzania since 1996. The Women's Development Programme is one of its most direct and human-centred placements.
What is life in Tanzania like during the placement?
Alongside your placement, Tanzania offers rich culture, extraordinary wildlife, and landscapes that stay with you long after you return home. Affordable, sustainable safaris and tours are available for you and any visiting friends or family.
Can I get funding?
Yes. Erasmus+ funding may be available for this placement. Speak with your student or international office about grant options that could fully or partially fund the experience.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Women's Development Programme involve?
Entrepreneurship and business skills training, women's rights education, English and IT training, health and medical awareness, and social media advocacy.
Who can join the Women's Development Programme?
Multi-professional students and interns from any relevant discipline, including education, health, business, communications, and community development. AIT hosts 15–40 participants at a time from over 400 partner universities worldwide.
What are the working hours?
6 hours per day, Monday to Friday.
When can I start?
The programme runs continuously year-round, with flexible start dates and adjustable duration.
Is funding available?
Yes — Erasmus+ funding may fully or partially cover your placement. Ask your student office about grant options.
Ready to apply?
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