Economic, social, and emotional impacts of a cultural collective for caregivers of children with disabilities in Dar es Salaam

Caregivers of children with disabilities in many African countries, including Tanzania, face intersecting challenges of economic hardship, social exclusion, and emotional stress (McNally and Mannan, 2013; Mfilinge, 2022; Mugumbate and Nyanguru, 2015). These burdens are compounded by limited access to services and persistent stigma surrounding disability (Sæbjørnsen et al., 2023; UN, 2019; UNICEF, 2021; 2023). Women, and particularly mothers, are disproportionately affected due to their caregiving responsibilities and constrained income-generating opportunities (World Bank, 2022; UNICEF, 2023).

Peer-based groups and women’s collectives have shown promise in addressing these issues. However, recent literature calls for deeper evaluation of their long-term impact, emphasising the importance of timing and longitudinal engagement.

This study built on earlier data to examine child outcomes and community perceptions over time.

Available at: https://doi.org/10.55158/DEEPCFWP4