By Najjat Omar.
On Saturday, November 30, 2024, the Tanzania Women Media Association (TAMWA-Z) held a meeting with stakeholders, judges, activists, young girls, and religious leaders to discuss the gender-based violence (GBV) faced by girls. The discussion highlighted a grim reality: GBV continues to devastate lives, particularly those of women and children.
Khairat Haji, a Program Officer at the Tanzania Media Women’s Association (TAMWA-Z), recently shared alarming statistics from the Office of the Chief Statistician of Zanzibar. “From January to October this year, 1,582 cases of GBV were reported in Zanzibar. Out of these, 1,337 involved children—1,095 girls and 242 boys,” she revealed. “Shockingly, 693 of these cases involved children aged 15 to 16.”Khairat’s words highlight the disturbing reality of GBV on the island. Many of these incidents occur between 3p.m. and midnight, times when children should feel safe in their homes but are instead vulnerable to abuse.
Despite rising awareness, securing justice for GBV victims remains difficult. Out of the 1,582 reported cases, only 74 have reached the courts. “We still have 1,153 cases under investigation and 341 with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP),” Khairat explained. “However, eight cases were prematurely closed, and six remain unaccounted for.”
Families play a critical role in protecting children and addressing GBV. However, silence or denial often worsens the situation. Senior journalist Jesse Mikofu, who has covered GBV extensively, stressed this point. “Families must be open about these issues,” he said. “Children need safe spaces to share their experiences. Silence only makes them more vulnerable to abuse.”
Cultural norms, however, can create barriers. Activist and football coach Sabahi Bakari pointed out a troubling trend: “It’s not uncommon for families of both victims and perpetrators to meet and negotiate settlements. This not only silences survivors but allows abusers to escape accountability. It also creates conflict within communities.”
Judge Nayla Abdulbasit, who presides over cases in Zanzibar’s South Region, noted another significant challenge: enabling children to share their experiences. “Children often struggle to explain what happened, especially in the presence of their abusers,” she said. To address this, Nayla advocates for innovative tools like dolls to help children articulate their experiences. “Using dolls allows children to express themselves without fear. It’s a practical approach to help them communicate more effectively,” she explained.
While addressing GBV is a complex challenge, some see sports as a powerful solution. Football coach Nasra Juma Mohammed has been working with young people for years, using sports to empower and protect them. “Sports help children build confidence and learn to defend themselves,” she said.Nasra believes that integrating sports into children’s lives can foster resilience and self-worth. “Sports are a way to fight abuse. Society must see the value of sports and accept it as part of our culture,” she added.
As Zanzibar observes the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, this year’s theme, “Kuelekea 2030, tuungane na kutafakari na kuchukua hatua kumaliza vitendo vya udhalilishaji dhidi ya wanawake Zanzibar” (Towards 2030, unite, reflect, and take action to end violence against women in Zanzibar), urges the community to act collectively.
TAMWA Board Member Mwatima Issa emphasized that addressing GBV requires everyone’s involvement. “This fight is not just the responsibility of the government or NGOs—it’s everyone’s duty,” she said.Mwatima called on communities to actively participate in ensuring justice. “We need witnesses to come forward and testify in court. Without their support, holding perpetrators accountable becomes even harder,” she added.
Rev. Shukuru Maloda, a Christian leader, underscored the need for religious leaders to engage with societal issues. “Many religious leaders are unaware of the crisis in their communities. They need to be informed and play a role in fighting GBV,” he said.
From the law enforcement perspective, Sergeant Rahima Ali Salum of the Zanzibar Police highlighted a significant challenge: families settling GBV cases informally. “Some families accept land or money as compensation and withdraw cases. This practice undermines justice and discourages victims from coming forward,” she explained.
As the community reflects on the year’s theme for the 16 Days of Activism, the call to action is clear. Judge Nayla’s words resonate deeply: “We must ensure children feel safe, heard, and protected. Justice should not be a privilege; it should be a guarantee.”
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