Women's Empowerment | Perfect Vision women's group

Perfect Vision is a women's empowerment group based in Arusha, Tanzania. The group was founded by an inspiring woman called Mama Happy who lived an unimaginably difficult life, yet still dedicated herself to helping others.

HIV remains extremely prevalent and stigmatized in Tanzania, especially for women who are often abandoned by their partners, families, and friends. Happy set up Perfect Vision as a way for struggling women to support each other, stop the shame, learn new skills, and improve their lives. The group has roughly 10 members at a time, and aims to provide the women with the necessary skills and means to live independently.

The mamas of Perfect Vision come from heartbreaking backgrounds including HIV, rape, abandonment, and levels of poverty that are impossible for most westerners to imagine.

Perfect Vision Women Tanzania
Empowering women and girls.

The mamas learn English (from volunteers when available) which is key to unlocking job opportunities in Tanzania. Since most mamas had their education disrupted, volunteers also teach lessons in areas such as health, finances, life skills, and entrepreneurship. The mamas also learn practical skills from each other such as sewing clothes and bags, making jewellery, and teaching cooking classes and beading classes. Additionally, they make paper bags to sell to shops and numerous other projects are in the works.

When the group receives additional donations, Perfect Vision is able to help the wider community. One of their big projects is to hand-sewn reusable sanitary pads for distribution in local government schools and disadvantaged communities. Many girls have their education disrupted one week out of every month by their menstrual cycle simply because they cannot afford sanitary products.

Just 20,000 TSH (approximately £8 or $10) pays for the materials and the women's labor for each set containing two shields, six washable pads, a pair of underwear, a bag for used pads, soap to wash their hands, and a pretty carrier bag. One set can be used for several years. It can't be stressed enough what a difference these products make for women and girls living in abject poverty.

With the support of donations Perfect Vision is able to help the mamas with their health insurance. The health insurances cost only 30,000 TSH (approximately £12 or $15), and covers one mama and five family members per year.

Furthermore, with generous donations Perfect Vision mamas visit struggling families in the local community to ensure they receive necessary medical attention for HIV and other illnesses,to provide basic food supplies, and even to assist with housing and childcare costs.