Women changing their world

Life is hard for women in Tanzania's rural communties. Often treated as second-class citizens, they have to struggle against traditional attitudes just to get an education or make a living.

But thanks to cash grants and training from Oxfam, women in Malambo have started to change things. In September 2007, Oxfam Communications Officer, Sally Clark, met Elizabeth Oltwati (Neema's sister) and her mother Maria.

Elizabeth Oltwati is passionate about women's rights and the role that women can play in the fight against poverty in Malambo.

"When I was young, I so wanted to be married. But for many women here, to be married is to be 'wafungwa' - a prisoner. You can't decide anything, you can't say anything."

This 39 year-old entrepreneur has never been married yet remarkably, for a single mother in Malambo, she owns six cows and ten goats. What's more, her five children sleep in one of the best homes in the area. She was able to build it with profits made from a women's beadwork group, and other small businesses, started with support from Oxfam.

"People admire my life," she explains with slight surprise. "When my sons moan, they're told, 'You have a great mum, you eat good food, you're dressed well and all of you have an education. You're lucky!'"

Lessons for the future

Ensuring that her children receive a good education has always been a priority – little wonder when Elizabeth's own mother placed such importance on sending her girls to school.

"My mother made sure four of us were educated, only Neema couldn't go. She's blind, and back then schools just wouldn't take her. My education has definitely helped me get where I am now.

"I want my children to go to university – that is my dream. The younger ones (aged six, eight and ten) are doing well in primary school. But they'll all be going to secondary school within a few years of each other. It will cost me about £1,200 to see all of them through to graduation. Right now, I'm not sleeping for thinking how I can raise the cash for the three younger ones. But we will do it.

"I've given my two elder sons a loan – £805 to set up their own businesses – just like the ones we have in our Oxfam women's groups. The idea is that with this financial start, they can help contribute to a family education fund."

A new opportunity

Elizabeth was one of eight students – including Melita Olmingani – to complete a three-month course in leathercraft skills in June this year. The course was paid for with a cash grant from Oxfam. She has started buying animal-skins from other villagers, exploring potential markets, and is now planning to set up a workshop with Melita to teaching others how to produce leather goods.

Her mother, Maria Oltwati, explains just how important this opportunity is to the whole village.

"When I heard Elizabeth would be away for three long months, I was scared. But she came back and showed us all her equipment, the things she's made and her certificate. Everyone knew that Elizabeth and Melita could help take Ng'abolo out of poverty. I have never been so proud."

Thanks to Maria, and the leading role Elizabeth has taken in the future of Malambo, attitudes to women are changing.

"You know, no-one used to value me: I had only girls in a culture where boys are prized. But now I am respected because of the initiative shown by all my daughters. They call Elizabeth my only son. But she's more than a son. And she is the best mother and father to her own children."

I asked her if Elizabeth is the most successful woman in their homestead. Maria corrected me, "She's the most successful person never mind woman!"

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