On the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar, water is around every corner, but for many local women, swimming is a luxury they have never been able to afford. The PANJE project, funded by the European Union, has been working to change that by offering free swimming lessons for women and girls on the island.
The project, which is implemented by the local Bwawani organization and supported by local authorities and the Tanzanian government, aims to promote water safety, improve the health and well-being of women and girls, and empower women through sport and physical activity.
The swimming lessons are taught by trained local instructors and have been a big hit with local women and girls. In addition to learning how to swim and float, participants are also learning about the importance of water hygiene and how to stay safe in the sea.
The PANJE project is also working to build a culture of swimming and water safety in Zanzibar, where historically swimming has been seen as a male-only activity. By teaching women and girls to swim and float, the project is helping to break down gender barriers and promote gender equality on the island.
In addition to swimming lessons, the PANJE project is also working on the construction of infrastructures such as changing rooms and bathrooms for women in the beaches locals, as well as in the training of local lifeguards to ensure safety in the water.
The PANJE project has had a positive impact on the lives of many women and girls in Zanzibar, providing them not only with the ability to swim and float, but also the confidence and empowerment that comes with learning a new skill. By breaking down gender barriers and promoting gender equality on the island, the PANJE project is helping to create a more just and equitable society in Zanzibar.