Art Exhibitions
In Tanzania, as in many low- and middle-income countries, young people, especially adolescent girls and young women, face significant barriers in accessing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information, commodities, and services. These barriers are rooted in gender inequalities, socio-cultural norms, and economic disparities. Limited access to comprehensive sexuality education, economic exclusion, and transportation barriers further hinder their access to SRHR care.
Stigma and societal taboos may also discourage them from seeking essential care due to fear of judgment, social, financial, or other repercussions, as well as a loss of confidentiality and privacy. These challenges prevent young people, and especially young women and girls, from making informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health and well-being, exercising their bodily autonomy, and fully participating in society and contributing to their economies.
Globally, around 12 million girls aged 15–19 years and at least 777,000 girls under 15 years give birth each year in developing regions (World Health Organization). Additionally, an estimated 3.9 million unsafe abortions among girls aged 15-19 occur each year, contributing to maternal mortality, morbidity, and lasting health problems. Complications during pregnancy and childbirth are the leading cause of death for 15-19-year-old girls globally (UNICEF).
In Tanzania, the adolescent birth rate is 116.2 per 1,000 women aged 15-19, one of the highest in the world. Additionally, only 32% of girls aged 15-19 in Tanzania have comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS. These statistics highlight the lack of access to SRHR information and services for young people in the country. Furthermore, harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage are still prevalent in some regions of Tanzania, further exacerbating the challenges faced by young women and girls in accessing SRHR care.
The solution proposed by Art Exhibitions is to organize collaborative art exhibitions that bring together young artists to create and showcase works focused on SRHR. By leveraging the power of art as a form of communication and advocacy, these exhibitions will aim to break down the barriers of stigma and taboos surrounding SRHR, foster open dialogue and discussion, and ultimately improve access to SRHR information, commodities, and services for young people in Tanzania and beyond
Our solution, Art Exhibitions, is a platform that organizes collaborative art exhibitions focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). The exhibitions bring together young artists to create and showcase artworks that communicate the importance of SRHR in a way that is engaging and accessible to the community. The goal is to foster open dialogue and discussion around SRHR, breaking down barriers of stigma and taboos, and ultimately improving access to SRHR information, commodities, and services for young people.
The process of organizing an exhibition involves:
1. Open Call for Artists: We invite young artists from the community to submit their artworks or proposals related to SRHR.
2. Collaboration and Mentorship: Selected artists are paired with mentors who guide them in refining their artworks and messages.
3. Exhibition: The final artworks are showcased in a week-long exhibition open to the community.
4. Community Engagement: During the exhibition, we organize interactive sessions, workshops, and discussions around SRHR, facilitated by experts in the field.
In terms of technology, we leverage social media platforms to promote the exhibitions, engage with the community, and provide SRHR information and resources. We also use virtual platforms to connect artists with mentors, especially when in-person meetings are not possible.
To date, we have successfully conducted three exhibitions in the Simuyu region of Tanzania, reaching a total of 570 people. The exhibitions have provided a unique platform for young people to engage with SRHR issues in a way that is relatable and empowering. The feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing that the exhibitions have challenged their perceptions and opened up new conversations around SRHR.
Our solution is innovative in its approach to addressing SRHR challenges by leveraging the power of art as a form of communication and advocacy. By engaging young people as active agents of change, and by creating a platform for their voices to be heard, we are contributing to meaningful and sustainable improvements in SRHR outcomes for young people in Tanzania and beyond.
Art Exhibitions offers a unique and impactful solution to the challenge of limited access to SRHR information, commodities, and services for young people in Tanzania. By leveraging the power of art as a means of communication and advocacy, and by engaging young people as active agents of change, we are paving the way for a future where every young person has the information, resources, and support they need to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health and well-being.
Our solution serves young people, particularly those aged 15-24, who are often underserved when it comes to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information, commodities, and services. In many communities, there are significant barriers to accessing SRHR information and services, including stigma, taboos, and a lack of youth-friendly services. These barriers are even more pronounced in rural and remote areas, where access to information and services is limited.
The target population for our solution is young people in Tanzania, where there are high rates of teenage pregnancy, early marriage, and limited access to SRHR information and services. According to the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS) 2015-16, the adolescent birth rate in the region is 117 per 1,000 women aged 15-19, compared to the national average of 98 per 1,000. Furthermore, only 35% of young people in the country have comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS, compared to the national average of 40%.
Our solution addresses the needs of young people by providing them with accurate and relevant SRHR information in a format that is engaging and accessible. The collaborative art exhibitions serve as a platform for young people to express their experiences, challenges, and aspirations related to SRHR. Through art, we are able to communicate complex SRHR issues in a way that is relatable and easy to understand.
In addition to the exhibitions, we organize interactive sessions, workshops, and discussions facilitated by SRHR experts, where young people can ask questions, share their experiences, and learn from each other. This approach fosters a sense of community and support among young people, and helps to break down barriers of stigma and taboos.
The impact of our solution on the lives of young people is multifaceted:
1. Increased Access to Information: Young people will have access to accurate and relevant SRHR information, which will empower them to make informed choices about their health and well-being.
2. Reduced Stigma and Taboos: The exhibitions and discussions will contribute to breaking down barriers of stigma and taboos, creating a more supportive and open environment for young people to discuss SRHR issues.
3. Empowerment: Engaging young people as active agents of change, and providing them with a platform to express their experiences and aspirations, will empower them to take control of their health and well-being.
4. Improved SRHR Outcomes: Ultimately, our solution will contribute to improved SRHR outcomes for young people, including reduced rates of teenage pregnancy, early marriage, and improved knowledge of HIV/AIDS and other SRHR issues.
Our team is deeply embedded in the community we aim to serve, with a shared passion and personal connection to the issue at hand. Our team lead, who grew up in the Simuyu region of Tanzania, has firsthand experience of the challenges and barriers that young people face in accessing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information and services. Having witnessed the impact of teenage pregnancy, early marriage, and a lack of SRHR information on friends and family members, the team lead is dedicated to finding innovative solutions to address these challenges.
Our team is representative of the communities we aim to serve, with members who have lived experiences of the issues we are tackling. This proximity to the community ensures that we have a deep understanding of their needs, challenges, and aspirations. Our team members have worked extensively in the field of SRHR, and have established strong relationships with local communities, stakeholders, and partners.
We are committed to engaging the communities we serve in the design and implementation of our solution. We recognize that the communities are the experts in their own lives and experiences, and that their input is invaluable in creating a solution that is relevant and effective. Our approach is participatory, with community members involved in every step of the process, from ideation to implementation.
We have conducted extensive consultations with young people, parents, teachers, and community leaders to understand their needs and priorities. These consultations have helped to shape our solution, ensuring that it is culturally sensitive and responsive to the specific needs of the community. We have also conducted pilot exhibitions to gather feedback from the community and refine our approach.
In addition to community consultations, we have also engaged with SRHR experts and organizations to ensure that our solution is grounded in evidence and best practices. We have collaborated with local NGOs, health facilities, and government agencies to leverage their expertise and resources.
The design and implementation of our solution are meaningfully guided by the community's input, ideas, and agendas. We are committed to a bottom-up approach, where the communities are actively involved in decision-making processes and have a sense of ownership over the solution. Our goal is to create a solution that is sustainable, scalable, and has a lasting impact on the lives of young people in the Simuyu region and beyond.
- Improve the SRH outcomes of young people and address root cause barriers to SRHR care.
- Tanzania
- Pilot: An organization testing a product, service, or business model with a small number of users
Our solution, Art Exhibitions, has already made a meaningful impact by reaching and serving 570 people through the three exhibitions conducted in the Simuyu region of Tanzania. These exhibitions provided a platform for young artists to create and showcase artworks focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), fostering open dialogue and awareness.
Each of the 3exhibitions lasted for a week, attracting a diverse audience that included young people, parents, community leaders, teachers, and healthcare providers. The exhibitions featured a range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and installations, all centered around SRHR themes.
During the exhibitions, we organized interactive sessions, workshops, and discussions led by SRHR experts, creating a space for the community to engage with SRHR issues and ask questions. These sessions allowed participants to gain a deeper understanding of SRHR and address their concerns in a safe and supportive environment.
The impact of these exhibitions goes beyond the numbers. The community feedback we received has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants expressing gratitude for the opportunity to learn about SRHR in a creative and engaging way. Many attendees reported that the exhibitions challenged their perceptions, opened up new conversations within families and communities, and inspired them to seek out more information and support.
In addition to the direct impact on the attendees, our exhibitions have also created a ripple effect within the community. Young artists who participated in the exhibitions continue to be advocates for SRHR, using their art as a medium for social change. This has contributed to a broader cultural shift in the community, where SRHR is becoming a more open and discussed topic.
As we continue to expand our reach and conduct more exhibitions, we anticipate serving an even larger number of people in the Simuyu region and beyond. Our commitment to community engagement and participatory approaches ensures that our impact is meaningful, sustainable, and guided by the needs and aspirations of the communities we serve.
Art Exhibitions is innovative in multiple ways that set it apart from traditional approaches to addressing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) challenges, and it has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts in the space:
Art as a Medium for Advocacy: Our approach leverages the power of art as a means of communication and advocacy for SRHR. While many SRHR interventions rely on traditional health education methods, Art Exhibitions taps into the emotional and creative aspects of art to engage and educate the community. Art has a unique ability to convey complex and sensitive topics in a relatable and non-confrontational manner, making it highly effective in challenging cultural norms and fostering open dialogue.
Youth-Centric Engagement: Art Exhibitions actively involves young people, particularly adolescent girls and young women, in the creation and curation of artworks. By placing them at the center of the solution, we empower them to express their experiences, challenges, and aspirations related to SRHR. This approach not only provides a platform for their voices but also builds their confidence and leadership skills, making them agents of change within their communities.
Community-Led Discussions: In addition to the exhibitions, we organize interactive sessions, workshops, and discussions facilitated by SRHR experts. These sessions create a safe space for community members to ask questions, share their experiences, and learn from each other. This approach fosters a sense of community and support, enabling individuals to break down barriers of stigma and taboos surrounding SRHR.
Cultural Sensitivity: Art Exhibitions is deeply rooted in the local culture and context. The artworks are created by artists from the same community, ensuring that the messages are culturally sensitive and relevant. This approach is essential in addressing deeply ingrained cultural norms and beliefs related to SRHR. By respecting and embracing the local culture, we are more likely to catalyze lasting change.
Collaborative Model: Our solution thrives on collaboration, involving not only artists but also mentors, SRHR experts, and the wider community. This collaborative model ensures that diverse perspectives are considered, creating a holistic approach to addressing SRHR challenges. It also encourages stakeholders in the SRHR space to work together for a common goal, potentially changing the market by fostering greater collaboration among organizations.
Technology-Enabled Outreach: While the core of our solution is rooted in art and community engagement, we use technology, such as social media platforms, to promote the exhibitions, engage with the community, and provide SRHR information and resources. This tech-enabled outreach extends our impact beyond the physical exhibitions and allows us to reach a wider audience.
Inspiring Behavioral Change: Art Exhibitions aims not only to inform but also to inspire behavioral change. By presenting SRHR information in an engaging and relatable manner, our solution has the potential to influence attitudes and behaviors related to SRHR, ultimately contributing to improved SRHR outcomes.
Next Year Impact Goals (2024):
Reach 5,000 Young People: In the next year, our primary goal is to expand our reach and engage with 5,000 young people in Tanzania through at least six art exhibitions and associated activities. This will ensure that a larger segment of the community has access to SRHR information and is engaged in open dialogue about SRHR issues.
Enhance Community Engagement: We aim to strengthen our community engagement efforts by conducting additional interactive sessions, workshops, and discussions, with a focus on addressing the specific SRHR needs of young people. We intend to achieve a 20% increase in the number of community members actively participating in these sessions.
Empower Young Women Artists: Our goal is to mentor and support at least 50 young women artists in creating and showcasing artworks that address SRHR themes. We aim to see a 30% increase in the number of young women artists who exhibit their work, promoting their empowerment and leadership in advocating for SRHR.
Next Five Years Impact Goals (2028):
Scale Across Regions: Over the next five years, we plan to expand our solution beyond the Simuyu region and replicate it in at least three additional regions in Tanzania with similar SRHR challenges. This expansion will enable us to reach a total of 50,000 young people and their communities.
Behavioral Change: Our long-term impact goal is to contribute to significant behavioral change among young people and the wider community in terms of SRHR awareness, knowledge, and practices. We aim to achieve a 50% reduction in the adolescent birth rate and a 40% increase in comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS among young people in the regions where we operate.
Advocacy and Policy Influence: To create lasting change, we aspire to become advocates for SRHR at the policy level. We aim to have our exhibitions and community engagement activities influence SRHR policies and practices, resulting in more youth-friendly SRHR services, comprehensive sexuality education, and the removal of barriers to access.
Youth-Led Initiatives: By 2028, we envision our solution inspiring and catalyzing a network of youth-led SRHR initiatives across Tanzania. We aim to support the establishment of at least five youth-led organizations dedicated to addressing SRHR challenges in their communities.
Achieving these Impact Goals:
To achieve our impact goals, we will employ a multifaceted approach:
Community Partnerships: We will continue to build partnerships with local NGOs, health facilities, and government agencies to leverage their expertise, resources, and networks. Collaboration will be essential in scaling our solution.
Sustainable Funding: We will explore diverse funding sources, including grants, corporate partnerships, and crowdfunding, to ensure the sustainability and scalability of our solution.
Technology Integration: We will further integrate technology into our outreach efforts, using social media platforms, mobile applications, and online resources to reach a broader audience and provide SRHR information and support.
Advocacy and Policy Engagement: We will actively engage with policymakers, SRHR advocates, and influencers to raise awareness about the importance of SRHR and advocate for supportive policies and practices.
Theory of Change:
Our theory of change revolves around the transformative power of art, community engagement, and youth-led initiatives to address sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) challenges. We believe that by engaging the community, particularly young people, in creative and open dialogue through art exhibitions and associated activities, we can drive positive change in SRHR outcomes.
Activities:
Art Exhibitions: We organize art exhibitions that showcase the creations of young artists, with a focus on SRHR themes. These exhibitions provide a platform for young artists to express themselves and for the community to engage with SRHR issues in a unique and non-confrontational manner.
Interactive Sessions: Alongside the exhibitions, we conduct interactive sessions, workshops, and discussions facilitated by SRHR experts. These sessions aim to educate, raise awareness, and address misconceptions about SRHR among the community members.
Mentorship: We provide mentorship and support to young women artists, empowering them to create artworks that advocate for SRHR. This mentorship not only develops their artistic skills but also builds their leadership and advocacy capacities.
Immediate Outputs:
Increased SRHR Awareness: Through the exhibitions and interactive sessions, community members, especially young people, gain a deeper understanding of SRHR, its importance, and its relevance to their lives.
Youth Empowerment: Young women artists and community members are empowered to actively engage in discussions and advocacy related to SRHR. They become advocates for change within their communities.
Community Dialogue: The exhibitions and activities foster open dialogue about SRHR issues, breaking down cultural taboos and stigma. The community becomes more comfortable discussing SRHR openly.
Longer-Term Outcomes:
Behavioral Change: As community members become more informed about SRHR, we expect to see changes in attitudes and behaviors related to SRHR. This includes more responsible sexual practices, reduced rates of teenage pregnancy, and increased uptake of SRHR services.
Youth-Led Initiatives: Empowered young women artists and community members are inspired to take action. They may establish youth-led organizations or initiatives dedicated to addressing SRHR challenges in their communities.
Policy Influence: Through advocacy efforts and the growing visibility of SRHR issues in the community, we anticipate that our activities will influence local SRHR policies and practices, leading to improved access to youth-friendly SRHR services and comprehensive sexuality education.
Our theory of change is grounded in the belief that art, community engagement, and youth empowerment are powerful catalysts for change. By engaging with the community, breaking down barriers, and fostering open dialogue, we expect to drive meaningful and sustainable improvements in SRHR outcomes, ultimately contributing to a brighter and healthier future for young people in Tanzania and beyond.
- Tanzania
- Tanzania
- Hybrid of for-profit and nonprofit
Our solution team consists of:
- 2 full-time staff members who are dedicated to the day-to-day operations, community engagement, and coordination of our activities.
- 2 part-time staff members who contribute to specific aspects of our solution, such as event planning and digital outreach.
- 2 contractors who provide specialized support, including graphic design and technical assistance for our online platforms and resources.
This team composition allows us to efficiently manage and expand our solution while leveraging the expertise of dedicated team members and external specialists.
We have been working on our solution since May 2023, which means we have been actively engaged in our mission for approximately five months. Despite the relatively short time frame, we have already conducted three successful art exhibitions and initiated community engagement activities, reaching 570 people in the Simuyu region of Tanzania. We are committed to the long-term sustainability and impact of our solution and look forward to continuing our work in the years to come.
Incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) is not just a goal for our solution; it is fundamental to our approach and identity. We understand that addressing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) challenges requires a holistic and culturally sensitive perspective that embraces diversity in all its forms.
Diversity in Leadership:
Our leadership team is intentionally diverse, representing various age groups, genders, and backgrounds. We have a balanced representation of young women and men, ensuring that our decision-making processes consider multiple perspectives. This diversity allows us to approach SRHR issues with sensitivity and relevance to the diverse experiences of our community.
Inclusivity in Community Engagement:
Our solution actively engages with the community, particularly young people, in a way that fosters inclusivity. We prioritize creating safe spaces for open dialogue, where individuals from all backgrounds and identities can express themselves without fear of judgment or discrimination. We actively seek out and involve marginalized voices to ensure that their SRHR needs are heard and addressed.
Equity in Mentorship and Opportunities:
We are committed to providing equitable opportunities for young artists, especially young women, to thrive in our program. We offer mentorship, resources, and support that level the playing field, ensuring that talent and dedication are the primary determinants of success. Our mentorship programs specifically target young women artists, empowering them to use art as a tool for advocacy.
Addressing Local Disparities:
We recognize that DEI is not just about gender and age but also about addressing unique local disparities. In the Simuyu region, where we operate, we are attentive to cultural norms, traditions, and challenges that affect SRHR. Our activities and messages are culturally sensitive, and we work to challenge harmful norms and practices while respecting local customs.
Continuous Learning and Improvement:
We view DEI as an ongoing process of learning and improvement. We actively seek feedback from the community, including marginalized groups, and use this input to refine our approach. We also stay informed about the latest research and best practices related to DEI to ensure that our solution remains relevant and effective.
Future Goals:
While we have made significant strides in incorporating DEI into our work, we are continually working toward improvement. Our future goals include:
Increasing the representation of marginalized voices within our leadership team and community engagement activities.
Expanding our partnerships with local organizations that specialize in DEI to further enhance our approach.
Conducting regular DEI assessments to measure the impact of our activities on marginalized groups and identifying areas for improvement.
Our business model is designed to create value for both the populations we serve and our sustainability as a solution. We understand that achieving meaningful impact in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) goes hand-in-hand with ensuring long-term viability.
Key Customers and Beneficiaries:
Young People and Communities: Our primary beneficiaries are young people aged 18-35 and their communities, particularly in the Simuyu region of Tanzania. They benefit from increased SRHR awareness, access to educational resources, and community dialogue facilitated by our art exhibitions and associated activities.
Young Women Artists: We provide a platform and support for young women artists to showcase their work and advocate for SRHR. They benefit from mentorship, exposure, and opportunities for their artistic careers.
Products and Services:
Art Exhibitions: We organize art exhibitions that feature the creations of young artists, with a focus on SRHR themes. These exhibitions serve as a medium for community engagement, dialogue, and awareness.
Interactive Sessions: Alongside exhibitions, we conduct interactive sessions, workshops, and discussions facilitated by SRHR experts. These sessions provide educational resources and opportunities for community members to engage in SRHR topics.
Mentorship: We offer mentorship and support to young women artists, empowering them to create artworks that advocate for SRHR. This mentorship helps them develop their artistic skills and become leaders in SRHR advocacy.
Value Proposition:
For Young People: We provide access to SRHR information, break down cultural taboos, and foster open dialogue about sensitive topics, empowering young people to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.
For Young Women Artists: We offer a platform for artistic expression, mentorship, and opportunities for advocacy, allowing them to use their creativity to drive change and contribute to SRHR awareness.
Revenue Generation:
Donor Funding: We seek grants and funding from various sources, including international organizations, foundations, and governments, to support our activities and ensure accessibility to our primary beneficiaries.
Corporate Partnerships: We explore partnerships with businesses and corporations that are aligned with our mission to sponsor exhibitions or provide in-kind support.
Crowdfunding: We engage in crowdfunding campaigns to involve the broader community in supporting our cause, allowing individuals to contribute directly to our activities.
Merchandise Sales: We sell merchandise related to our art exhibitions, such as prints of artworks, to generate additional revenue and promote the work of young artists.
- Individual consumers or stakeholders (B2C)
Our plan for becoming financially sustainable revolves around diversifying our revenue streams and building strong partnerships to cover our expected expenses and ensure the long-term viability of our mission in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Here's how we intend to achieve financial sustainability:
Grants and Donations: We will continue to actively seek grants and donations from international organizations, foundations, governments, and individuals who share our commitment to SRHR. These grants and donations will provide crucial support for our core activities, including organizing art exhibitions, conducting interactive sessions, and offering mentorship to young women artists.
Corporate Partnerships: We will explore strategic partnerships with businesses and corporations that align with our mission. Corporate sponsors can contribute to the funding of our art exhibitions or provide in-kind support, such as venue space or promotional materials. These partnerships not only bring financial resources but also expand our reach and visibility.
Crowdfunding Campaigns: We will engage in crowdfunding campaigns to involve the broader community in supporting our cause. Crowdfunding allows individuals who are passionate about SRHR to contribute directly to our activities. These campaigns will be conducted periodically to fund specific projects or exhibitions.
Merchandise Sales: We will generate revenue through the sale of merchandise related to our art exhibitions. This includes selling prints of artworks, posters, and other items featuring the creations of young artists. The proceeds from merchandise sales will support our operational expenses.
Service Contracts: As we gain recognition for our expertise in community engagement and SRHR advocacy, we may explore service contracts with governments or non-profit organizations interested in leveraging our community engagement model. These contracts could involve conducting workshops, training sessions, or community outreach initiatives.
Investment in Sustainable Growth: While we do not currently seek investment capital, we will consider it as a potential option for sustainable growth in the future. Investment could be used to scale our operations, expand to new regions, or invest in technology to enhance our reach and impact.
Revenue-Generating Events: We will host revenue-generating events, such as charity auctions or fundraising galas, to raise funds for specific initiatives or projects. These events will provide opportunities for individuals and organizations to contribute to our mission while enjoying cultural and artistic experiences.
Membership Programs: In the long term, we may explore the establishment of membership programs where individuals and organizations can become members of our community and receive exclusive benefits, including early access to exhibitions and artist meet-and-greets. Membership fees would contribute to our sustainability.
Our strategy for financial sustainability is founded on the principles of diversification, partnership, and community engagement. By combining multiple revenue streams, engaging with partners who share our values, and involving the community in our mission, we aim to ensure that our revenue covers our expected expenses and allows us to expand our impact in the field of SRHR.