Policy Dialogue: strengthening women’s rights

Topic: Policy Dialogue
East Africa
Human Rights & Civ. Soc.
Gender Equality
Co-financing
Policy Dialogue

problem & solution

Even though Tanzanian regulations, laws and policies promote gender equality and human rights, inequality still persists in Muleba district. Discriminatory cultural and traditional beliefs and customs as well as limited access to information lead to a gender gap in leadership positions, economic resources and participation in decision making in all spheres of life.

The solution was

  • to raise awareness of regulations, laws and policies as well as of negative impacts of harmful traditions and customs
  • to improve access to affordable legal aid services by training paralegals and strengthening capacity of local dispute resolvers
  • to empower women and youth to generate their own income.

the experience

The project was kicked off with a launch event that informed stakeholders on its objectives and approaches. Thereafter different channels were used for awareness raising. To reach out to men, football leagues were organized. In addition selected community representatives were trained on laws promoting women rights and gender equality. Together with paralegals the trained representatives then provided legal aid services.

Moreover some women and women leaders received training on governance and leadership skills. Members of newly established community social groups were financially supported and equipped with knowledge on income generation. Furthermore round table discussions with decision makers were conducted and a referral system to people who could assist in women justice was established.

01

Challenges

01

  • increased number of reported disputes due to increased awareness including a relatively high number of men reporting
  • some husbands stop fulfilling their duties when women earn income, hence burden of taking care of the family falls on women
02

Impact

02

  • community members know where to report conflicts
  • women increased their financial independence from their husbands
  • less conflicts within families
  • women groups now support other vulnerable people
03

Lessons Learned

03

  • need for a good strategy on how to involve men
  • commitment of members of the target group to the action plan is crucial
  • continuous capacity building and awareness raising can change attitudes
  • at grassroots level paralegals are vital to dispute resolution
Realisation period 2019–2022
Location Kagera, Tansania
Contact Theresia Bujiku
Further reading

visit MHOLA's website

Partner organisation - Mamas Hope Organisation for Legal Assistance (MHOLA)

Mama’s Hope Organization for Legal Assistance (MHOLA) works to improve women’s and children’s rights through legal aid, advocacy and psychosocial support for vulnerable groups. Founded in the small Tanzanian town of Bukoba, the organization set up a second location in the neighboring Muleba district. MHOLA gives women easy access to the court system and mediation.

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