GBV stifles basic human rights – TAMWA report

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a serious problem that limits the ability of men, women, and children to enjoy their basic human rights and fundamental freedoms, a report released by the Tanzania Media Women’s Association (TAMWA) has revealed.

The TAMWA Executive Director, Ms Valerie Msoka, said during an occasion to launch the report, that GBV is rooted in gender inequality and gender norms which often serve to reinforce inequalities at different levels.

She said that women’s subordinate social, economic and legal status often makes it difficult for them to get help once violence occurs.

“Studies on gender in most traditions reveal that women are taught to accept and tolerate all forms of violence due to ignorance and lack of awareness on existing laws,” she said.

Ms Msoka said that in Tanzania and globally, GBV takes many forms or types, all of which have a negative impact on individuals and the society, especially women and children. The report also outlines types of genderbased violence that are worth knowing and understanding so as to be able to address them accordingly.

They include emotional and psychological violence, harmful traditional violence, physical violence, sexual genderbased violence and social economic violence. “But, despite its prevalence in most countries including Tanzania, Genderbased violence is often not properly addressed,” she said.

Ms Msoka added that gender-based violence mostly happens against children especially unaccompanied minors and women, because of their gender, and this is due to power imbalances.

She added that genderbased violence remains hidden because it is often considered as a private matter, however due to activists and the media; the issue is increasingly coming under public scrutiny.

She urged that journalists should develop an understanding of GBV and issues around it, and play their role by creating awareness on the issues and response mechanisms through the media. “GBV does not only occur in the house, it is also perpetuated in other areas of the society,” she said.

She added that as a gatekeeper between the citizens and the government, especially for those affected by GBV, the media can bring GBV to the policy decision makers of the country and thus influence the formulation of laws to outlaw GBV.