By Mutayoba Arbogast
With just 16 days to go until the United Nations observes the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Ms. Chiku Lweno, the Senior Manager of Advocacy and Communication at ‘The Children in Crossfire Tanzania (CiC), ’ a child development NGO, emphasizes the importance of this period for stakeholders in the fight against gender-based violence. According to Ms. Lweno (pictured), this time is crucial for raising voices and empowering women to break free from the shackles of violence.
Speaking on a live broadcast of Johara on Mlimani TV, Lweno explained that gender-based violence takes on many forms, including sexual abuse, physical violence such as beatings, and economic abuse. She further pointed out that cultural practices and religious beliefs often serve as hiding places for the perpetuation of violence against women.
“There are clear issues that are happening and are undoubtedly violence, but people will say, ‘this is what religion dictates,’” Ms. Lweno stated. She also highlighted harmful traditional practices like female genital mutilation, which continue to affect women and girls in many parts of the country.
In her passionate discourse, Ms. Lweno spoke strongly against violence that stems from misguided human beliefs, where individuals feel they have the right to inflict harm on others simply because of their gender. “I don’t believe anyone can truly say that religion justifies gender-based violence. Does God not love women? No way!” she passionately questioned, challenging the misinterpretation of religious texts used to justify such violence.
When asked why the UN chose the 16 days leading up to December 10 for this annual observance, Ms. Lweno explained that these dates were set by the United Nations to highlight global trends in gender-based violence and create a focused period for action.
She stressed the significance of this campaign, which serves as a critical time for many organizations to reflect on their strategies and progress in combating this crisis. Ms. Lweno cited the efforts of journalists in Manyara, who on November, 25th organized a public demonstration against gender-based violence, underlining the importance of these 16 days as a period for lasting awareness and action, rather than just a one- or two-day commemoration.
“The 16 days were chosen because they provide a more extended time frame to raise awareness and take collective action,” she said. The impact of these days is amplified when people feel a sustained urgency to engage and combat gender-based violence.
In terms of public awareness, Ms. Lweno shared that the current awareness of gender-based violence is still a work in progress. “While the awareness is there, people still need that push to help eliminate this issue from our communities. For example, in police stations and workplaces, gender desks have been invaluable in assisting victims,” she said.
The government’s actions, she noted, have also played a significant role. “I am grateful to the government and the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups for recognizing the importance of setting up gender desks at police stations. In the past, it was incredibly difficult for women who had been raped to report their cases to male officers. The embarrassment and shame made it even harder for victims to speak out,” Ms. Lweno added.
Discussing the troubling trends in gender-based violence, Ms. Lweno cited statistics from Tanzania’s Directorate of Criminal Investigation, which reported that around 2,200 women have lost their lives due to gender-based violence, which averages about 490 women annually. These figures translate to approximately 40 women per month, a disturbing figure that underscores the severity of the issue.
Globally, the United Nations has reported that nearly one in three women has experienced gender-based violence, underscoring the urgency for international action. Ms. Lweno praised the efforts of the government to establish one-stop centers, where victims can receive medical treatment and file complaints, making it easier for women to report abuse.
“If a woman has been abused, she can now call the helpline 116 or visit a health center and find compassionate staff ready to assist her quickly. She can also be given a Police Form Number 3 (PF3) for further action,” she explained.
Ms. Lweno also emphasized the role of men in the fight against gender-based violence, urging them to understand that both men and women are born into their genders and neither should be oppressed or harmed based on that fact. “It’s time for men who commit violence against women to realize that they did not choose to be men, and women did not choose to be women. Victims of gender-based violence need to speak out. It’s not shameful to report abuse or speak out against mistreatment,” Lweno urged.
On November 29, 2024, the Kilindi Police Department in the Tanga region continued its efforts by engaging the local community in education sessions about the importance of combating gender-based violence.
In a speech delivered before the police chief, Senior Police Officer (SSP) Kasikana emphasized that educating the public on the dangers of gender-based violence remains a priority. “We are continuing to raise awareness and urge individuals to abandon harmful practices. It’s crucial that we spread this message through various community groups,” Kasikana said.
The origins of these observances trace back to a 2006 declaration by the United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, which acknowledged the severe global issue of gender-based violence against women and girls.
This led to the establishment of the annual 16 Days of Activism, running from November 25 to December 10 each year, to draw attention to this pervasive issue. The campaign aims to raise awareness, share information and experiences, build collective capacities, and unite civil society organizations in a coordinated effort to combat gender-based violence.
During these 16 days, the Ministry of Community Development has implemented a comprehensive strategy, particularly targeting students in primary and secondary schools, to educate them on how to protect themselves and how to assist others who may have been victims of gender-based violence. This initiative is especially important because young people are among the most vulnerable to gender-based violence.
While the global issue of gender-based violence is exacerbated by crises such as conflict, displacement, and the ongoing effects of climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a particularly devastating impact on women and girls.
“During the pandemic, we saw an increase in gender-based violence. But even before the pandemic, there were still many incidents of violence against women, including those in the workplace and at home,” said Ms. Lweno.
Addressing a broader issue, Ms. Lweno also noted that men, too, are victims of gender-based violence, yet societal norms often prevent them from speaking out. “Some men are also abused by their wives, but they do not report it. We need to have open discussions about this as well, to promote gender equality,” she added.
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has reaffirmed Tanzania's commitment to tackling gender-based violence, stating that the government will not tolerate any form of abuse. Majaliwa emphasized that President Samia Suluhu Hassan has made it clear that efforts to combat gender-based violence will continue, with a focus on changing attitudes and behaviors. “Our society must work together to ensure that everyone takes responsibility in preventing and eliminating gender-based violence, especially issues like sexual harassment, partner violence, rape, and child marriages,” Majaliwa said.
The Premier called for unity in the fight against gender-based violence, stating that collaboration between men and women is necessary to build a peaceful, loving, and equitable society. “Despite the strong laws, gender-based violence remains a serious challenge, and we must continue to unite to tackle this issue,” he stressed.
The premier also urged the public and stakeholders to continue investing in initiatives aimed at eradicating gender-based violence, noting that Tanzania’s partnership with the international community in this effort is critical.
Consolata Chikoti, the Director of the Young Women Leadership Program (YWLP) and a gender activist emphasized the need for society to take responsibility in addressing the issue of sexual violence. "Our communities must understand their role in ending sexual violence in the country,” she said, reinforcing the need for continued education, activism, and collective action to stop gender-based violence.
This year’s campaign for the 16 Days of Activism is an important reminder that the fight against gender-based violence is ongoing and requires continuous efforts from all sectors of society.