A couple acts out domestic violence. Violence against women and children
costs the Tanzanian government $6.5 billion. PHOTO | FILE
By BEATRICE MATERU
In Summary
Tanzania's war against violence against women and related
discrimination has been boosted with a Tsh267.4 billion ($122.7 million)
plan.
The five-year plan, launched by the Minister of Agriculture,
Livestock and Fisheries Charles Tizeba, seeks to strengthen the economy,
address and eliminate unsafe and discriminatory customs against women
and children. It will also push for access to justice and friendly
services for the victims.
Mr Tizeba said under the plan, traditions and customs that are discriminative to women and children will be reviewed.
The plan proposes a multi-sectoral approach cutting across
ministries, departments, agencies, regions, local authorities and the
private sector.
Minister of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elders and
Children Ummy Mwalimu said the plan will result in special desks at
schools, where children can report and get immediate assistance.
“We believe that through these desks, children will feel free to
report and talk once they experience such incidents,” she said.
Violence against women and children costs the government $6.5
billion (or 7 per cent of its revenue) on court services, treatment for
victims, and feeding the prisoners facing and charged with violation
against women and children.
The National Bureau of Statistics findings of 2012 shows that
51.3 per cent of all Tanzanians were women and 51.1 per cent were
children under 18 years. About 75 to 90 per cent of food crops were
grown by women.
UN resident co-ordinator in Tanzania Alvaro Rodriguez lauded the
plan for its call for “comprehensive protection system and emphasis on
the need for increased engagement of men and boys.
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