As MBA students from IMD, we are participating in an International Consulting Project (ICP) with TAWAH (Tanzania Women Architect for Humanity), an NGO dedicated to empowering women in the construction industry in Tanzania. Founded by Victoria Hellman and led by women architects, TAWAH provides vocational training for women and builds sustainable housing for marginalized communities, aiming to drive social change and sustainability.
Our primary objective is to help TAWAH develop a five-year strategic plan for achieving self-sustainability. Under the guidance of our professor, James Henderson, we are working closely with the organization to understand its needs and goals.
A highlight of our project was visiting TAWAH’s training center in Mhaga village in Kisarawe, where we met the women benefiting from its programs. Hearing their stories and understanding their challenges highlighted the importance of providing education to those who would not have access otherwise. This initiative not only transforms lives but also plays a crucial role in changing mindsets around women in the construction field, breaking down barriers and fostering greater acceptance.
During our visit, we also connected with TAWAH’s partners and other NGOs, gaining valuable insights into the local context. The experience served as a staunch reminder of the socioeconomic needs in the region and country, with a housing gap of approximately three million homes in Tanzania alone. TAWAH addresses critical gaps that the public sector cannot fill by itself, providing essential services and support for community development.
In addition to our project work, we had the opportunity to visit beautiful Tanzania, which allowed us to appreciate the culture and landscapes of the country. This experience strengthened our teamwork and collaboration, as we built connections within our group.
The experience was yet another example of how IMD’s MBA program integrates real learning into real impact. Implementing what we learned in this setting was particularly rewarding, as we were able to apply our knowledge from the MBA program to support TAWAH’s mission.
