Enhancing Justice in Tanzania
We address a key gap in Tanzania’s justice system, the exclusion of underserved communities from accessing justice, by making mediation inclusive and accessible, ensuring persons with disabilities can fully participate in dispute resolution processes.
Our uniqueness lies in developing inclusive mediation materials and equipping community leaders as Peacemakers who advance accessible dispute resolution within the justice system, ensuring participation of persons with disabilities. Our systemic approach draws on existing resources from the Judiciary and the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs, including information, human capital, and outreach systems.
Impact is measured using both qualitative and quantitative indicators.
Key metrics include:
- Number of disputes resolved amicably
- Number of trained peacemakers
- Beneficiary satisfaction
- Cost and time savings data
- Documented success stories, including experiences of persons with disabilities in accessing and participating in mediation processes
1M+ disputes resolved
through inclusive mediation led by trained peacemakers, ensuring participation of persons with disabilities and other underserved groups.
Qualitative impact: Mediation shifts how communities handle conflict, focusing on root causes and reducing recurring disputes. It strengthens community cohesion and improves overall well-being
In the image: ESS partnered with local village leaders and government officials to conduct a legal clinic outreach in Kamachumu, Muleba District, Kagera Region, drawing over 1000 attendees.
In the videos below: Rachel, who is hard-of-hearing explains that she had a dispute with her employee, who was a motorbike driver. She used the bike to earn income from a public transportation business that she started with a government loan. The driver refused to remit the money and took the bike as his own. The police failed to resolve the issue for months due to a communication barrier between Rachel, the police, and the defendant. However, when Rachel visited the offices of FUWAVITA, where she is a member, and the ESS Creative and Legal Foundation for mediation in an inclusive environment, the case was resolved within a day. She was able to get back her motorbike for her business.
40+ peacemakers
actively promoting inclusive mediation and supporting accessible dispute resolution in their communities.
Qualitative impact: Peacemakers advance community-led, collaborative conflict resolution. Training builds a self-sustaining system, equipping them to provide legal information and support in rural areas, including for persons with disabilities.
70% reduction in legal costs
compared to litigation, increasing access to justice for low-income households, including persons with disabilities.
Qualitative impact: Lower costs expand access to justice and ease pressure on the formal legal system, supporting a more efficient and equitable environment.
1 month average resolution time
compared to a minimum of 12 months for litigation, with accessible processes that reduce delays.
Qualitative impact: Faster resolution strengthens trust in the justice system, reduces backlogs, and improves economic and social stability for individuals and communities.
In just one day, we facilitated a peaceful resolution, fostering agreement and unity.
Swift resolution of a two-year VICOBA loan dispute. Mediation transformed tensions into collaboration, with parties signing a settlement deed in a day.
The impact assessment highlights the role of mediation in building harmony, understanding, and peaceful dispute resolution. Our programs show measurable results while strengthening community-led conflict resolution that includes persons with disabilities and other underserved groups in meaningful participation.
Together, we promote justice that is accessible, inclusive, and grounded in community needs, contributing to stronger social cohesion and improved well-being.