So They Can is excited to announce that we are rolling out Dada Wakili, a digital legal companion designed to help communities in Tanzania understand their rights and navigate common justice challenges. So They Can’s network of community-based Champion Mothers and Fathers will use Dada Wakili as part of a six-month pilot, delivered in partnership with Smart Justice a justice innovation organisation working to improve access to justice through technology.

What is Dada Wakili?

Dada Wakili means “Sister Lawyer” in Swahili. It is an innovative digital legal companion, available through WhatsApp, that provides clear and reliable legal information in plain language and connects users with resources and practical next steps. Its guidance is grounded in Tanzania’s laws and regulations, helping users access legal information that is accurate, relevant and trustworthy. 

For many people in rural Tanzania, accessing accurate legal information and support has traditionally meant navigating long distances, limited resources, and complex systems. Dada Wakili was developed to help close that gap, putting trustworthy legal information and support directly into the hands of the people who need it most.

Rural Reach Through So They Can

So They Can was proudly selected as a pilot partner for Dada Wakili because of our work in child protection and child rights advocacy in rural Tanzania. Our network of Champion Parents work directly within our school communities, providing direct family support, to report and refer cases of rights violations.

Training to Equip Our Champions

In August 2026, 15 of So They Can’s Champion Parents, the Babati District Council Social Welfare Officer, and So They Can team, participated in a hands-on training session, facilitated by representatives from the Dada Wakili project.

“The training has been a good opportunity for us to learn new things about legal issues and how we can play a key role in reporting and doing our work.“

Zacharia, Oim Primary School Champion.

The training focused on equipping our Champion Parents to use Dada Wakili to access legal information and practical guidance when supporting community members facing issues relating to violence against children, gender-based violence, and inheritance.

This training marks the first step in embedding Dada Wakili into the everyday work of our Champion network.

“We are excited to work with So They Can and its network of Champion Parents. Dada Wakili can amplify the important work they are already doing by putting trusted legal information and practical guidance at their fingertips as they challenge injustice and support families and communities facing difficult legal and rights issues.”

Dr Sarah Stephens, Founder and CEO, Smart Justice

This partnership reflects So They Can’s holistic approach to education and community development. By combining Smart Justice’s innovative technology with our long-standing community partnerships, we’re helping ensure that the rights of every woman and girl are protected and realised.

To learn more about Dada Wakili, watch this short video.