About OVAH

Our Voices Against Harassment (OVAH) is a youth- and women-led NGO in Tanzania, established in November 2020 and formally registered in 2021. We are dedicated to ending sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and advancing gender equality by empowering adolescents and women, particularly those from low-income households and survivors or those at risk of SGBV.

2020

Established

Youth-Led

Organization

SGBV

Prevention

OVAH strengthens self-esteem, autonomy, and leadership skills to support personal, social, and economic development. Through social and behavior change communication and community dialogues, we work to challenge harmful norms and shift attitudes and behaviors, creating safer, more inclusive communities.

OVAH team during community engagement session

Our Impact

Empowering communities across Tanzania through innovative programs and survivor-centered approaches.

Our Vision

To create a gender-just and violence-free society.

Our Mission

Our mission is to protect and empower women, youth, girls, and children by combating sexual violence and advancing their rights across social, economic, and environmental domains.

“Every empowered woman inspires a stronger, more equal society.”

— Modesta Joseph, Founder & Executive Director

Our Founder’s Vision

OVAH was born out of a deep conviction that every young woman deserves to live free from violence, fear, and discrimination. Our mission is to empower survivors, strengthen voices, and drive systemic change through advocacy, education, and innovation.

We believe that by working hand in hand with communities, we can transform harmful norms, foster equality, and create a safer, more inclusive future for all.

Our Vision

A society where every woman and girl lives free from gender-based violence and realizes her full potential in a safe, supportive environment.

Our Values

These core values guide everything we do and shape our approach to creating lasting change in communities across Tanzania.

Social Justice

Social justice lies at the heart of our mission. We strive for a Tanzania where every individual is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. We work to eliminate systemic barriers and ensure equitable access to opportunities, resources, and basic human rights for all, especially women and children.

Co-creation and Leadership

At OVAH, we believe that those who are targeted by our programs should also be the key drivers of what we do. We prioritize the active participation of our beneficiaries in the design, implementation, and evaluation of our initiatives.

Learning and Collaboration

Our work is rooted in continuous learning and growth. We embrace the opportunity to learn not only about the complex issues we tackle but also about the communities we serve, the intersectionalities of those issues, and how to evolve our approaches.

Impact and Innovation

We are committed to addressing sexual and gender-based violence in Tanzania through innovative solutions that create tangible, lasting change. Our projects are designed to be both impactful and measurable, ensuring they lead to meaningful progress.

Collective Care

We understand that a thriving community is built on the well-being of its members. This extends to our team—board members, staff, ambassadors, and volunteers—as well as the communities we serve. We prioritize empathy, compassion, and mutual respect.

Our Focus Areas

We concentrate our efforts on four key thematic areas that are essential for creating lasting change in gender equality and violence prevention.

Combating Sexual and Gender-based Violence

Our primary focus is preventing and responding to SGBV through comprehensive programs that address root causes and support survivors.

Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment

We work to advance gender equality by empowering women and girls with skills, knowledge, and opportunities for leadership.

Adolescents, Youth, and Women's Engagement and Leadership

We prioritize youth and women's participation in decision-making processes and leadership development at all levels.

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

We advocate for and educate about sexual and reproductive health and rights, ensuring access to information and services.

Sustainable Development Goals

Our work directly contributes to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, creating measurable impact for communities across Tanzania.