To kick off the 16 days of activism against violence against women, the community in Dar es Salaam gathered at the Mnazi Mmoja grounds in the city centre. Hon. Mizengo K. Pinda, The Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania was the guest of honor. Hundreds of students, activists, women and men marched into the grounds displaying signs demanding the end of violence against women and corrupt policies and procedures. Present with table of information with services available for survivors, were the Women in Legal Aid and Development, Women's Legal Aid Centre, House of Peace, Engendered Health's Champion Project, The Tanzanian Police Female Netowrk and the One UN. UNIFEM- Tanzania was present under the One UN umbrella with information and signing booklets for the international Say NO-UNiTE- End Violence against Women. Over 200 commitments were made! Speeches were given by Development Partners and powerful testimonials from women survivors staying in Dar es Salaam's only shelter, House of Peace. These stories will be shared in a follow up action.

Aika Urassa, a participant in the launch, said that she enjoyed the event and was thrilled by the energy and the awareness raised on violence against women. She said as an action she would continue to commit to teaching children about positive relationships. Aika believes that men and women learn violent behaviors and acceptance of violence at an early age and therefore, is committed to being a positive role model for children so that they learn violence is not acceptable in any form towards any human being. 

Aika's commitment is an example of a strong personal commitment to end Violence against Women that will continue beyond the 16 days of activism.