Nurturing Futures: Empowering women and nurturing children through market-based early childhood development models: Gender analysis

This study examines the gender dynamics shaping access to early childhood development (ECD) and childcare services in Tanzania, with a focus on market- and workplace-based models. Drawing on secondary analysis of literature, national data, and policy frameworks, the study applies a gender analysis framework and socio-ecological model to explore barriers and enablers across roles, resources, norms, and institutions. Findings indicate that women’s disproportionate unpaid care burden, limited control over assets, and restrictive gender norms constrain access to childcare and economic participation, while gaps in service availability and affordability further limit uptake. The analysis positions childcare as a strategic entry point for advancing gender equality and improving child development outcomes. A gender-transformative theory of change is proposed, centred on strengthening agency, expanding resources and opportunity structures, and shifting gender norms, supported by engaging men, promoting gender-equitable parenting, and partnering with women-led organizations. The study underscores the need for context-specific, evidence-informed programme design and highlights the importance of primary data collection to assess impact.