Crowdsourced Mapping to Prevent FGM in Tanzania

For International Women's Day we did various online mapping events involving over 500 volunteers worldwide mapping from satellite images, plus training local women and girls on how to use free mapping tools to add safe places in their communites.  This was in addition to the training we provide to the local community each week. 

One of Tanzania Development Trust's three priorities is girls' education and we have funded many hostels in remote rural secondary schools over the years. One of the main benefits of these is they prevent girls having to walk up to four hours to and from school each day, often at great risk.  They also mean girls can study after school hours in a supportive environment rather than having to collect water and firewood in the evenings and so have better life chances. 

However usually demand for hostel places far outstrips supply, so if schools have better maps showing the routes their students walk to school, and the challenges they face they can allocate places more fairly, as well as demonstrate the need for hostels to potential donors. 

So we are very grateful to everyone who took part in our mapping campaigns on International Women's Day, and to you for your ongoing support.

With gratitude

Janet