Introduction | Background

DARE is a young-women led NGO advocating for the health and wellbeing of adolescents, youth, girls and women based in Tanzania. We catalyse action by bringing together diverse voices and interests to drive progress for equitable access to universal health services, with a particular focus on sexual and reproductive health and and ending the HIV epidemic.

DARE focuses on community centered solutions. We leverage local, regional and global platforms to bring the best ideas forward, highlighting what works, and call for action. We believe the health, and wellbeing of adolescents, young people, girls and women is everyone's responsibility.

Lilian Benjamin Mwakyosi
Co-Founder | Executive Director

“There’s enough space for every woman, to progressively influence the wellbeing of our communities given the right platforms, enthusiasm and seats at the decision making tables regardless of their gender, background, age or physique.”

Sara Leonard Mtama
Co-Founder | Deputy Director

As a young woman, there are things I know now, I wish I knew then as a girl. I realized, there was not enough Access to information that would guide me through the overwhelming years of my life, when my body and mind were rebelling. I believe in complete engagement in everything that involves the upbringing of a young person, so as to help them attain their full potential.

Mercy Melchior Kavishe
Program Manager

I hope you release the urge to replay negative situations and failed scenarios in your head. That you forgive yourself for not knowing better at the time and for the mistakes you’ve made. I hope that you are one day able to move on and no longer let what happened in the past control so much of your present and future .

Our Values

  • 1
    Take Initiative

    Encouraging youth to be self-driven for positive change in our community.

  • 2
    Be Passionate

    Being fully involved and willingness to serve our communities with empathy.

  • 3
    Teamwork

    Meaningful participatory engagement for all, regardless of our differences, towards achieving organizational goals.

  • 4
    Transparency & Accountability

    DARE seeks to mentor a vibrant group of youth leaders, who are honest, transparent and accountable.

  • 5
    Evidence Driven

    Fueling evidence based practice through research, data driven advocacy and storytelling.

  • 6
    Ensure Impact

    Promoting individual growth while facilitating the growth of others thus impacting the entire community.

  • 7
    Have Fun

    We believe in creativity and edutainment as influential tools for youth. The more fun, the easier it is to engage our entire community. Young people just want to have fun!

Vision Statement

Tanzanian generation of vibrant adolescents and youth, with correct information, advanced self-care and improved health-seeking behavior.

Mission Statement

Promoting young peoples' coordination, engagement and ownership in designing and suggesting the best holistic approaches, to enhance better access to available social and health services.