Three Years of Change: Inside the Empuan Project Impact

The Empuan Project, funded by the European Union and implemented by Pastoral Women’s Council, Ujamaa Community Resource Team (UCRT), and PINGOs Forum, has successfully wrapped up three years of transformative work. We are proud to share some of the impact. In Karao Village, Longido District, one of the Women’s Rights and Leadership Forums (WRLF), formed and trained by UCRT, is showing what change looks like in practice. Through their VICOBA, women are shifting the narrative around economic empowerment and the right to own property in pastoral communities. By mobilizing their resources and strengthening a culture of saving, the group has invested in and now owns 18 bulls. This is not just an economic step forward, it is a statement of independence and long-term vision. The group aims to grow their VICOBA further and expand their investments. Their success is already inspiring other groups in the area. What stands out is how they are working with men as allies, creating shared understanding and support. This reflects the Empuan Project’s approach of engaging men as partners in ending gender-based violence and advancing women’s rights. We are grateful to the European Union for supporting this work and making these changes possible.