Week Two...What's new?

Hello everyone

Well I am still well and happy here in Dar.

I will start this post with an update on work progress.

Progress with the Hotline...

The past week I have been working hard at putting together a strategy paper setting out the various tasks that need to be accomplished to ensure the proper establishment and functioning of the hotline which will serve as an initial document which will allow a brain storming session with my colleagues here at TAWA.  In this regard I have been sourcing telephone companies that may be prepared to offered us free services as part of their corporate social responsibilities.  I will report back on how that one goes! I have also been preparing a standards and procedures checklist for operation of the hotline, aswell as a data capture tool.  This should allow us to better monitor and evaluate the success of the service.  This is quite a lengthy process and I have no doubt that this project will occupy a lot of my time over the next six months!

What else?


Some Irish connections...
On Monday I had a meeting with the Irish Ambassador Lorcan Fullum and took the opportunity to discuss in great detail the benefit of the work that TAWLA do. It was very kind of him to give up his time to listen to me and I think he actually managed to get a couple of words in also! Interestingly, the Irish government indirectly funds TAWLA through WILDAF.  Ambassador Fullam also has put be in contact with the lady at the embassy who is in charge of gender issues and in particular addressing gender based violence.  I am really looking forward to meeting with her in the near future to understand more this important issue and the approaches that are currently being taken in addressing it.

Some American visitors....
I am also assisting on drafting of a bill for the right to Sexual and Reproductive Health.  In this regard we had two ladies from the Centre of Reproductive Health (CRH) visit the office yesterday. CRH is an American NGO with a presence in Kenya and who are looking to partner with TAWLA here in Tanzania with a view to promoting sexual and reproductive health for Tanzanian women.  I have learnt from my colleagues here at TAWLA that in many instances women do not have access to contraceptives, pre or post antenatal care or sexual health screening.

And of course for the fun stuff


Last weekend I had my first flavor of Tanzanian nightlife...On Saturday I went for a lazy afternoon lunch that went on for many hour at a lebanese restaurant in Maasaki...This was followed by drinks and a bit of a boogey in a local bar that for the life of me I cannot remember!  I stayed in the city with an Irish friend that I have met since arriving here as I live a little do far to get home safely that time of night!

On Sunday, I have to admit feeling a little worse for wear, I met with Mama Kabache at her home in Upanga. Mama Kabache is a the mother of a Tanzanian friend of mine that I met in Ireland before coming away.  Mama Kabache is a truly inspirational woman and a pioneer of her generation.  Mama Kabache is a retired member of parliament and held a special seat for women's rights.  We spent many hours on Sunday discussing the issues facing Tanzanian women and I learnt so much from her.  We were also joined by Mr Kabir who has also lived an incredibly interesting life. Mr Kabir worked with the UN for many years in its head office in New York and later was the Ambassador for Zanzibar. I was served the most delicious meal of spiced chicken, rice and beans.  I have been told next time I can help in the kitchen so that I can learn the recipes.  Mama Kabache has also invited me to her grand nephews wedding so that should be such a wonderful experience.  I am really looking forward to this.

This week I also start my swhailli lessons aswell so I am excited about!

This weekend I will definitely take some photos and upload them. My words do not do justice to the vibrancy and vitality of life in Dar es Salaam.

Until next time and wishing you all well.

Eithne xx