In many communities along the southern coast of Tanzania, parenting is often seen as a mother’s duty. Fathers, particularly in such households, are expected to provide financially, while the responsibility of raising children from nurturing, guiding, and ensuring their education falls on the mother. For generations, this belief has shaped the fate of many young girls, whose futures are often left vulnerable when their fathers take a hands-off approach.
But in the small village of Matogoro, Tandahimba, one father is rewriting the script. Shafi, a father to a young girl, quickly realized that ensuring his daughter’s well-being and education would require more than just providing food and shelter. It required presence, knowledge, and the courage to challenge societal norms.
“I am living with my young daughter, and I am determined to see her complete her studies,” Shafii shared.
Yet, in a community where conversations about the challenges girls face are often whispered or ignored and where discussions on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) are scarce, Shafi struggled to find the guidance he needed. He saw girls in his village dropping out of school, forced into early marriages and their dreams cut short before they even had a chance to take shape. He refused to let his daughter become part of that cycle.
Then, something unexpected happened.
Through the Sauti Zetu project, we introduced film screenings in his community. At first, many saw them as just another form of entertainment, a way to pass the evening hours. But Shafi saw something more.
“As a parent, I am always seeking new knowledge to help me raise my children, and your films have provided us with a space to discuss important issues, which has allowed us to acquire new insights.”
Since the screenings began, Shafi has never missed a session. With a piece of paper in hand, he carefully writes down every key lesson, every discussion, every piece of advice shared after the films.
He said, “I always come with a piece of paper and note down every single message I gain from your movies and the discussions that follow.”
The screenings provide a rare opportunity for open dialogue on parenting, gender equality, and the importance of education for girls. One of the topics that struck Shafi the most was the lack of SRHR education in his community. He saw firsthand how the absence of information had led to a rising number of teenage pregnancies and early marriages.
“In our village, it is difficult to find information on SRHR. That is why many girls end up pregnant and married too soon,” he explained.
But armed with the knowledge he has gained, Shafi is determined to ensure his daughter’s path is different.
“I don’t want my daughter to become one of those statistics. I want her to finish school, to chase her dreams, and to have choices in life. That is why I take these film screenings seriously.”
Shafi is not just absorbing knowledge. He is transforming into a role model. In a society where fathers are often distant figures in their daughters’ education, he is setting a new standard. His dedication is slowly challenging other men in the village to rethink their roles as fathers.
At film screenings, he is no longer the only man taking notes. Others have begun to listen, to ask questions, to see the power of being actively involved in their children’s futures.
“I believe that the knowledge I gain, I also transfer to my daughter, believing it will help my generation,” he stated confidently.
His story is a testament to how access to information, something as simple as a film can spark change. We have witnessed when communities are given the right tools, they begin to shift the norms that have held them back for generations.
Shafi’s journey is proof that empowering one father can impact an entire generation. But there are many more fathers, mothers, and young people across Tanzania who need access to the same life-changing knowledge.
