Context
The incidence of sexual and gender-based violence in Tanzania is significantly higher than the regional average. It manifests itself in the form of sexual and violent assault (often perpetrated by current or former partners), psychological abuse and harmful traditional practices. Along with women and girls, it also affects boys, particularly at school and in family settings.
Meanwhile, vulnerable population groups are especially likely to lack awareness of their rights and when they have been violated. At the same time, an effort needs to be made to build specific expertise in law enforcement – particularly in establishing a victim- and survivor-centred approach – and to expand access to justice and legal advice, as well as to improve the support provided to survivors of violence in cases involving court proceedings. Tanzania's medical care providers, social and mental health services and law enforcement authorities are also not sufficiently networked to offer victims the best possible assistance.
Objective
The conditions for women and children to access justice, especially in cases involving sexual and gender-based violence, are improved.
Approach
The project is working in three areas:
- helping Tanzania’s Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs to identify legal, institutional and social factors that make it difficult for women and children affected by violence to access justice. It is also developing recommendations on related reforms.
- promoting services offered by government entities (including the police) and non-governmental actors such as legal aid units in order to assist victims of gender-based violence.
- promoting a country-wide campaign to reduce gender-based violence. It is using creative formats such as film and theatre to encourage debates, make people aware of their rights and violations of those rights, and increase the uptake of services for victims of violence.