Theater for Health: Sparking Change in Makunduchi
At WAJAMAMA, we believe that lasting change starts with community voices, and what better way to spark those voices than through the vibrant power of theater and performance?
On April 16th, the quiet town of Makunduchi came alive with rhythm, color, and purpose as we kicked off our Community Awareness Campaign. Nearly 700 community members, men, women, and children, gathered for a day filled with joy, reflection, and dialogue, centered on one shared mission: better health for every mama and every baby.
From the first drumbeat to the final bow, the energy was strong. The event opened with lively song and dance, followed by an acrobatic show that drew loud cheers. Then came the heart of the day, a powerful crafted act performed by local Zanzibari theater group, Ngoma World.
Before the show began, acrobats put on a dazzling performance to engage the crowd.
Featuring a pregnant woman with anemia, a visit to a traditional healer, and a blind character symbolizing inclusion, the storyline addressed vital health themes:
The importance of seeking professional maternal healthcare
The role of nutrition during pregnancy
Male involvement and support in women's health
Inclusion and acceptance of people with disabilities
The danger that misinformation can have on one’s health journey
After the performance, WAJAMAMA team members reinforced these lessons, encouraging women to seek care at local clinics. Mamas from the community shared powerful and inspiring reflections, emphasizing their new understanding of the need for male support, proper nutrition, and moving beyond harmful traditional practices.
Our goal is to create meaningful conversations about mental, reproductive, maternal, and child health, while exploring how we can ensure every mama and baby receives the holistic care they deserve.
Why theater? Because art speaks to the heart. In Zanzibar, performance isn’t just entertainment, it’s a language. It’s how we teach, learn, and grow together. By placing these messages in a familiar, culturally-rooted format, we opened the door for men to join the conversation, a critical step in shifting long-held norms. Bringing men into these conversations helps challenge traditional norms and empowers them to play a more supportive, engaged role in their partners’ reproductive and maternal health.
In the play, a pregnant woman with abdominal pain visits a traditional doctor for healing, where she was given incorrect information about her condition.
We closed the day as we started: with music, dancing, and a shared sense of hope.
We are proud to have reached hundreds of community members on our first day alone, and we look forward to scaling this model across Zanzibar to promote informed, inclusive, and community-driven healthcare.
This is just the beginning. ✨
