By Adonis Byemelwa
The latest human rights report for the year 2023 reveals troubling findings regarding gender-based violence (GBV) in Tanzania. Compiled by the Legal and Human Rights Centre, the report sheds light on the persisting challenges faced by women, encompassing physical, psychological, and sexual violence.
Psychological abuse emerges as a pervasive issue, with men often resorting to verbal assaults, humiliation, neglect, and desertion. Particularly distressing is the phenomenon of men abandoning their partners upon pregnancy, leading to severe mental health repercussions such as depression and anxiety. Tragically, this dire circumstance often escalates to instances of infanticide, as vulnerable women, particularly adolescents, feel compelled to abandon or discard their newborns.
Societal norms perpetuate the justification for men’s abandonment of their families, with reports indicating a disturbing pattern of men absconding shortly after childbirth only to resurface when the child is older. In regions like Tabora and Kigoma, specific cultural practices and beliefs exacerbate the issue, leading to phenomena such as property inheritance fears and Kuhanzura, respectively.
A stark correlation between family income dynamics and abandonment emerges from the report, particularly evident in agricultural communities where control over financial resources dictates power dynamics within households. The report highlights instances where men abscond with family earnings post-harvest, leaving their families in dire straits.
Local government officials corroborate the dire situation, noting a surge in complaints of family abandonment during harvest seasons. In response to these distressing revelations, the report advocates for multifaceted approaches to combat GBV, including the integration of gender education into educational curricula and the enactment of comprehensive legislation specifically addressing GBV.
In tandem with the urgent call to address gender-based violence, there is a pressing need for comprehensive reforms within Tanzania’s family laws. Current legislation inadequately safeguards the rights of women and children, exacerbating the vulnerability of marginalized individuals within households. Key areas for reform include implementing equitable property distribution laws, establishing clear guidelines for child custody and support, enhancing accessibility to legal aid services for victims of GBV, and promoting community-based initiatives that challenge harmful gender norms and foster supportive environments for survivors of GBV.
The worrying findings regarding the prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) in the Shinyanga region of Tanzania are attributed to a joint effort by Strength Inspiration, a prominent NGO based in Dar es Salaam, and the Tanzania Gender Network Programme (TGNP) study of the 2021. Through their extensive research and community engagement initiatives, Strength Inspiration and TGNP have uncovered the deeply entrenched nature of GBV in Shinyanga, shedding light on the various forms of violence faced by women and girls in the region.
Drawing upon data collected from survivors, community leaders, and local organizations, their study reveals alarming rates of domestic abuse, sexual assault, and forced marriages in Shinyanga. The findings underline the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to address the root causes of GBV and provide support services for survivors.
Strength Inspiration and the TGNP study of 2021 have not only illuminated the grim reality of GBV in Shinyanga but also paved the way for meaningful action and change. Their tireless efforts in research, advocacy, and community empowerment serve as a beacon of hope in the fight against gender-based violence in Tanzania.
By amplifying their voices and acknowledging their contributions, we stand united in our commitment to building a society where every individual is free from violence and discrimination. Together, we can create a future where equality and justice prevail, leaving no room for the scourge of gender-based violence to persist. The latest human rights report for the year 2023, compiled by the Legal and Human Rights Centre, reinforces the urgent need for collective action to address GBV nationwide.
