Naserian
Empowering Maasai Widows
Naserian Maasai Widows and Children Tanzania
Location: Monduli District, Arusha Region, Tanzania
Reach: 383 widows in 14 villages
Prepared by: Coordinator, Naserian Maasai Widows and Children Tanzania
Date: September 2026
Organisational Progress and Achievements
Naserian Maasai Widows and Children Tanzania is a community-based organization supporting Maasai widows and vulnerable children through women's rights awareness, economic empowerment, entrepreneurship and education.
The initiative started in one village and expanded to 14 villages, currently reaching 383 widows, following increased community awareness and positive results.
Naserian currently runs livestock and entrepreneurship activities, including 7 cattle and 79 goats, and a soap-making project producing bar and liquid soap. With support from WRI, 12 women were trained in entrepreneurship and soap production.
WRI also supported 7 girls from vulnerable widowed families through college education. So far, 4 have obtained employment, while 2 are volunteering as teachers as they wait for formal employment opportunities. WRI has also supported the Naserian Coordinator's salary, transport for village visits, and participation of Naserian representatives in international forums including CSW. These opportunities have strengthened the organization and increased women's confidence, knowledge and awareness of their rights and opportunities.
Naserian continues to provide education on widows' rights, economic empowerment and opportunities, while listening to women's challenges and providing support and hope.
Current Challenges
Naserian currently needs support for:
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Transport and fuel to reach widow groups across 14 villages.
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A joint meeting for widows focused on rights, entrepreneurship, economic empowerment and available opportunities.
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Expansion of cattle, goat and soap-making projects.
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Education support for more vulnerable girls.
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Participation of Maasai women in national and international meetings and learning platforms.
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Strengthening organizational coordination, monitoring and communication.
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Geneva Seminar: Naserian has received an invitation to participate in a seminar in Geneva on 15–16 October 2026. As an organization, we have managed to raise enough funds to cover the representative's travel to Dar es Salaam to process the visa, but we currently do not have funds for the visa and flight costs to Geneva. We would greatly appreciate support to enable a Naserian representative to attend this important opportunity and bring the knowledge and experience back to our widow groups and community.
Way Forward
Naserian aims to strengthen the 14 village groups, reach more widows and vulnerable children, expand economic activities, support girls' education and increase advocacy for widows' rights.
We invite donors and development partners to support this work so that more Maasai widows can become economically empowered, independent and able to support their children with dignity.
“Empowering one widow strengthens an entire family; empowering women strengthens the whole community.”
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Prepared by:
Coordinator
Naserian Maasai Widows and Children Tanzania
Monduli District, Arusha, Tanzania