WITH more than euro 200m invested in gender equality initiatives, the European Union through its “Team Europe” approach expects to support efforts to combat gender-based violence, empower women, strengthen justice systems and create safer digital spaces for women and girls.

Christine Grau, the EU ambassador to Tanzania and the East African Community, made this affirmation at the launch of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence (GBV) in Dar es Salaam on Monday.

She said that the funds are helping to challenge harmful social norms, combat online harassment and provide essential services such as helplines, shelters and legal aid for victims of violence.

Violence against women is a global issue, affecting women and girls worldwide, as globally, one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, and one in five girls will be a victim of child sexual abuse.

In Tanzania, the statistics are equally alarming as the Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) 2022 report showed that over half of women in Tanzania have experienced some form of violence.

Nearly 50 percent have suffered intimate partner violence, 19 percent of girls are affected by child marriage, and more than two million Tanzanian women have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM), the envoy noted.

“We must ask ourselves: if it’s not me, it’s someone I know—our daughters, sisters, nieces and schoolgirls. Each act of violence has devastating consequences on the lives of women and girls,” she emphasised.

She praised efforts of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and all local gender equality champions, especially citing the work of organisations like the Coalition Against Gender-Based Violence (MKUKI).who organised the event along with the Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF).  

Veteran activist and former cabinet minister Gertrude Mongella stressed the importance of electing leaders who are qualified to serve both women and men equally.

“We do not want to choose leaders just for their gender; we want leaders with the skills and qualifications to serve everyone, regardless of their gender,” she said. “Even if an aspirant is a woman, we must choose her based on her ability to serve all people, not just because she is a woman.”

Dr Monica Mhoja, MKUKI chairperson, urged legal reforms as the country approaches the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Dr Monica Mhoja

She specifically advocated for a review of laws that contribute to GBV, including those related to marriage and inheritance, to ensure they do not perpetuate violence and discrimination against women.

Anna Kulaya, the WiLDAF national coordinator, emphasised that the 16 days of activism remind members of the public that the fight for gender equality is alive and well, and that real change requires collective action from all sectors of society.