The Right Choice: Give a Girl a Choice: Effects of Safe Spaces on Self-Esteem in Girls in Tanzania

Women are the backbone of society in Mufindi Disctrict, Tanzania, as they usually do all of the cooking, fetch the water, take care of the house, raise the children, and farm. They work hard all day; however, they are unable... [ view full abstract ]

Women are the backbone of society in Mufindi Disctrict, Tanzania, as they usually do all of the cooking, fetch the water, take care of the house, raise the children, and farm. They work hard all day; however, they are unable to succeed in a lot of aspects of society because the patriarchy restricts their ability to explore different options. There is not sufficient free time for girls to grow, to relax, to learn, and to be completely independent financially. Self-esteem is a large issue among girls’ lives throughout the world. So in order to increase self-esteem to empower girls to accomplish their goals, there are new programs developing. These programs are called safe spaces. These programs are for girls and women to have a physical place, in which they can feel comfortable expressing themselves, have fun, relax, communicate, make friends, and learn. These programs are being implemented for girls all over the world and will hopefully make a difference in girls’ lives. This research paper discusses the affects of safe space programs on the self-esteem of girls aged 15-22 in Luhunga, Mufindi District, Tanzania. This research was developed during my study abroad in Fall 2015 through quantitative research.