Monday, April 29, 2024 - Dar es Salaam, The Legal Services Facility (LSF), a non-governmental organization, in collaboration with Stanbic Bank Tanzania, signed a partnership agreement to implement development projects aimed at uplifting women and girls economically, educationally, and health-wise.

This two-year agreement focuses on combining efforts and pooling resources to address social challenges, particularly those facing women and girls. It aims to create favourable environments for education and improve reproductive health while enabling women to access economic opportunities, training, and capital for economic empowerment. The primary goal is to ensure equal opportunities, gender equality, and women empowerment, thus fulfilling their aspirations.

These areas align with the bank’s priorities through its community projects and LSF’s commitment to promoting social justice for sustainable development. This agreement will directly contribute to the achievement of National priority and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 (Gender Equality), 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 4 (Quality Education), and 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

During the signing of the agreement, LSF's Executive Director, Ms. Lulu Ng'wanakilala, stated, "We are proud to sign this agreement today, which underscores our commitment to bringing together stakeholders, especially private organizations, to address community challenges through productive and sustainable outcomes. This agreement we enter into today will facilitate the implementation of joint projects and foster collaborative thinking in creating new joint initiatives as well as continuing existing ones. Therefore, I take this opportunity to thank Stanbic Bank for partnering with us. I would especially like to thank them for the education and reproductive health project, which will be executed through the annual Run for Binti event. We are thrilled to have a significant partner in this year's race. Through this partnership, we believe we can reach more beneficiaries than ever before each year."

On his part, the Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank, Mr. Manzi Rwegasira, said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with LSF to bring to fruition projects that will empower youths and women in communities across the country, as well as address environmental impacts by planting trees to contribute to Tanzania’s environmental goals and align with our commitment to promoting sustainable development. This partnership aims to strengthen economic opportunities for women and youth through initiatives focused on financial literacy and business development. By enhancing financial knowledge and skills, we aim to provide the necessary resources for sustainable financial independence and success.

“We are excited to work together with LSF to advance these initiatives, which directly contribute to Tanzania’s development plans and the Sustainable Development Goals. We look forward to making a meaningful impact in the lives of women, youth, and communities across Tanzania, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for all.”