The Government of the Republic of Korea, through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), together with KOICA Alumni Tanzania (KOAT), partnered with the Ikungi District Council to host a knowledge-sharing session under the theme “Advancing Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Strengthening Survivor Support through One-Stop Centres.” This collaborative initiative underscores the shared commitment of KOICA, KOAT, and the Government of Tanzania to enhance gender equality, protect survivors of violence, and promote sustainable social development across underserved communities. The event brought together district officials, local leaders, community members, and implementing partners to share insights, best practices, and pledge collective action toward improving GBV prevention and support mechanisms.

Capacity building remains central to KOICA’s mission, the Director also highlighted the importance of the “Realizing Gender Equality in Tanzania, through Empowering Women and Adolescent Girls in Shinyanga and Singida” project, implemented with UNFPA and UN Women from 2020–2023, through which KOICA supported agricultural training, improved land ownership security, built capacity among public officials and communities to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, and helped establish One-Stop Centres and police Gender & Children Desks.

During the knowledge-sharing session, the partners aimed to enhance awareness among community members and NPA-VAWC Committee members on prevention of and response to gender-based violence, and to strengthen linkages between communities, local committees, and the One-Stop Centre for effective referral, case management, and survivor-centered support. The provision of furniture and ICT equipment will further strengthen the capacity of the One-Stop Centre to offer confidential, survivor-centered GBV services. These improved working conditions are expected to increase community trust and encourage survivors to seek timely support, thereby ensuring the sustainability and continuity of services beyond the event.

The guest of honor expressed satisfaction at seeing how these efforts are taking hold at the community level. He expressed confidence that the programme will continue empowering women and girls, expand their economic rights, reduce gender-based violence, and build an inclusive society. He also extended his gratitude to KOAT, UNFPA, UN Women, and local government leaders, especially the Singida District Commissioner, for their sustained support in implementing and maintaining these initiatives.

In collaboration with KOICA, KOAT actively contributes at the grassroots level in GBV prevention and survivor support by strengthening One-Stop Centres and increasing community awareness.