Empowering the Next Generation of Women Entrepreneurs in Reproductive Health in Tanzania

In Tanzania, reproductive health challenges remain pressing, but a bold new initiative is transforming these challenges into opportunities. The POWER pilot accelerator program, launched by DSW on March 3, 2025, is equipping young women with the tools to build innovative, impact-driven businesses that address critical reproductive health (RH) needs.

POWER (Providing Opportunities for Women in Entrepreneurship and Reproductive Health), is aimed at fostering youth-driven innovation in reproductive health. From March 3-10, 2025, DSW Tanzania hosted an intensive 8-day training program in Arusha, welcoming 12 young women eager to turn their ideas into real-world solutions. These entrepreneurs, aged 18-30, are developing scalable commercial startups tackling  maternal health, family planning, menstrual hygiene, and nutrition for expectant and new mothers.

A Program Designed for Impact

“The initiative is designed not only to equip young women with commercial entrepreneurial skills but also to create a platform for them to devise solutions that can positively influence the supply and demand for reproductive health services and products,” explained DSW Project Manager Winnie Muine.

The training blended social entrepreneurship and reproductive health education, starting with foundational topics like family planning, gender in RH, and the human reproductive system. Participants then received hands-on business training, learning how to generate ideas, manage finances, and market their products effectively. The training culminated in a high-energy pitch session, where each entrepreneur showcased their business idea.

Innovative Business Ideas Take Shape

The POWER program has already inspired promising ventures:

• Maternal Health & Nutrition – A business providing specialized nutritional support for expectant and new mothers, ensuring they receive essential vitamins and dietary guidance for a healthy recovery.
• Menstrual Hygiene Solutions – An initiative tackling period poverty by offering affordable sanitary products combined with educational campaigns to break taboos and promote better hygiene practices.
• Herbal Remedies for Menstrual Pain – A venture developing natural ointments to relieve menstrual cramps, responding to a widespread but often overlooked health concern.

Beyond individual success, these businesses have a ripple effect on communities, spreading education, raising awareness, and empowering women to take charge of their health.

As POWER participant Faustina Munisi from Dar es Salaam put it, “The goal is to reduce or completely eradicate reproductive health-related diseases while creating employment and educating local communities.”

Young entrepreneurs brainstorming key RH challenges facing young people group activity

Beyond Training: Incubation & Mentorship

The POWER program doesn’t stop at training. Participants now enter an incubation phase, where they receive mentorship to refine their business plans and connect with investors and stakeholders.

“The potential for impact is enormous,” noted DSW POWER Project Coordinator Peter Alli. “Some participants have developed herbal remedies for menstrual pain, while others have created specialized nutritional formulas for postpartum recovery.”

This innovative model—blending entrepreneurship, reproductive health, and social impact—is already proving successful, even in its pilot phase.

The DSW Country Director presenting about the POWER initiative

A Vision for the Future

Aligned with Tanzania’s Vision 2025, POWER supports the country’s broader socio-economic and health goals. By focusing on the intersection of business, reproductive health, and technology, the initiative is shaping a new generation of women leaders who are driving change.

At the program’s closing event in Arusha, attended by government officials and DSW leadership, participants presented their business ideas and received certificates of appreciation for completing the program.

With plans for expansion, the POWER initiative is proving that youth-driven solutions can address Tanzania’s most pressing reproductive health challenges. These young women are not just launching businesses; they are leading a movement—one that will empower communities, improve health outcomes, and create lasting economic change across the country.

The Arusha District Regional Health Coordinator (First-left), The Dar es salaam Regional Youth Officer (Second left) and The Meru District Community Development Officer (Third left) together with DSW Staff awarding certificates of appreciation to young women entrepreneurs.