The Aga Khan Foundation, in partnership with the Embassy of Ireland in Tanzania through the Tuinuke Pamoja project, will spend TSh7 billion over three years to promote gender equality and empower women by strengthening community groups across eight councils in Tanzania’s Dodoma Region. Veronica Banari from the Tujikomboe Makamaka women’s group said the support enabled them to start vegetable gardening and acquire sewing machines for a tailoring school. “So far, five students have enrolled for sewing training, which is offered free to girls and women who face financial barriers,” she said. Deputy Permanent Secretary for Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups, Ms Felister Mdemu, urged beneficiaries to use the funds appropriately to strengthen their economic status. “The Aga Khan Foundation trusts you and has allocated significant funds for your empowerment; do not disappoint,” she said.