About HEKIMA
Founded in 2014 in Kagera, Tanzania, HEKIMA is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and empowering children, adolescent girls, and young women. We work to break the cycle of trafficking, labor exploitation, and sexual and gender exploitation by advancing gender equality, dignity, and human rights.
Why We Do What We Do
At HEKIMA, we are committed to breaking the cycle of exploitation that affects children, adolescent girls, and young women across Tanzania. From trafficking and child labor to gender-based violence and systemic discrimination, we tackle the root causes through gender-transformative, community-led approaches-grounded in feminist values and driven by simple, innovative technologies.
We believe that every child and young woman deserves safety, dignity, and opportunity. That’s why we work directly with those most at risk-equipping them with life skills, rights awareness, and access to protection and economic opportunities so they can reclaim their futures with confidence and power.
Our work goes beyond emergency response. Through strategic advocacy, capacity building, and strengthening local systems, we prevent harm before it happens, nurture resilience, and foster inclusive communities. We are building a future where children, girls, and young women are not just protected-they are leaders of lasting change in a more just and sustainable society.
Our Three Areas of Change
HEKIMA’s initiatives support the development of children, adolescent girls and young women by promoting safety, empowerment, and long-term well-being:
1. Child Protection & Digital Participation
Advancing legal reform, advocacy, and psychosocial support while ensuring children meaningfully participate in decisions that shape their digital and real-world lives.
2. Innovative Climate Action
Empowering adolescent girls and young women with life skills, entrepreneurship training, and cross-cultural exchange to foster independence, climate resilience, and access to global opportunities.
3. Men Engagement & Positive Parenting
Fostering family reintegration through family-based care by equipping fathers, parents, and caregivers with the skills and support needed to provide safe, nurturing, and gender-responsive environments.
Our Values:
1. Gender Equality
We are committed to advancing gender equality by empowering girls and women, while actively engaging men and boys as allies in challenging harmful norms, promoting equal opportunities, and driving lasting, inclusive change.
2. Belonging
We believe every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and at home. We work to reunite children with families or provide alternative care that fosters dignity, connection, and emotional security. .
3. Partnership & Sustainable Change
We believe lasting change comes through strong partnerships. By working with communities, authorities, and stakeholders, we co-create solutions that build resilience and drive long-term impact for children and young women.
OUR VISION:
A Tanzanian society where no child or young woman is harmed by exploitation.
OUR MISSION:
HEKIMA' s to break the cycle of trafficking, exploitation, and gender-based violence by championing the rights, voice, and leadership of children, adolescent girls, and young women .
Children indeed should be growing up in families where they are protected, nurtured, and provided with the care and support they need. A strong family foundation greatly contributes to their overall well-being and future success.
Our Partners
