Felister Mdemu, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups, has highlighted that Manyara Region is among the areas with the highest number of violence cases.
She stressed the need for increased efforts in educating the public about gender-based violence, attributing a major cause to the entrenched customs and traditions in the region, where practices such as female genital mutilation, domestic violence, and child abuse are wrongly considered cultural rights.
Mdemu made these remarks while receiving a report on violence in the region. She instructed Rennie Gondwe, Assistant Director of the Gender Development Department, to form a team that will set up a camp in Manyara along with stakeholders to educate the community and conduct targeted campaigns to eradicate violence.
"I have visited several regions and have seen many statistics on violence, but none compare to those from Manyara. Therefore, as a Ministry, we have a significant responsibility to intensify our efforts against violence.
The Gender Development Department and your team are directed to form a team to establish a camp in Manyara next month, working with Community Development Officers, Social Welfare Officers, regional leadership, and anti-violence stakeholders until we achieve results. A violence-free Manyara is possible," said Mdemu.
On her part, Mariam Haji, Regional Administrative Secretary for Manyara, acknowledged the ongoing efforts to combat violence but emphasized that additional support is needed. She urged the Ministry to increase the number of Community Development and Social Welfare Officers to reach the communities effectively and provide adequate education.
"I urge the Ministry to bolster our efforts. Violence cases are rising daily, and unfortunately, traditional leaders often support harmful practices against women and children. Even after receiving education, they offer minimal cooperation because they have pledged to uphold harmful customs," said Mariam.
Lilian Bujule, the Regional Community Development Officer, reported that from January to August 2024, a total of 6,216 violence cases have been reported in the region. She noted challenges such as a lack of resources, including transportation to reach rural communities, insufficient staff, and the absence of safe shelters for victims. She identified customs and traditions as major contributors to these incidents.
Bujule recommended legal reforms, suggesting that perpetrators of violence should not be granted bail until their cases are resolved, as they often use bail as a loophole to escape justice.
Rennie Gondwe, Assistant Director of the Gender Development Department, stated that a dedicated team with a specific campaign will be deployed to Manyara in the coming month.
This team, in collaboration with various stakeholders and regional leadership, will focus on educating the community and implementing a strategic plan to eliminate violence in the region.
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