Tanzania-Regulatory Framework for Access to Justice for Gender-Based Violence
Analysis of the legal Frameworks on Gender-Based Violence in Tanzania
Tanzania has implemented women empowerment and gender equality projects to improve the living condition of women. The legal frameworks address gender rights and the goals of the project. The institutional framework includes;
i Regulations of the Republic of Tanzania
It is through gender inequality that violence is rooted. Most of these factors are society based.
In 1977, the regulations of the United Republic of Tanzania billed rights and duties. Articles 12 -29 of the Constitution prohibits discrimination based on sex addresses. The constitution cited the letter of the law and not the practical effect it caused on people. However, state parties are required to address both directions.
ii Law Marriage Act.
In this Act, the law prohibits marriages of girls under 18 years. Early marriage is against women’s rights to make their own decisions. Also, the law forbids polygamous marriages and wife-beating by their spouse. Women should report abusive husbands.
iii Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
There are many cases of human trafficking. However, only a few cases are investigated. The offenders prosecuted and adjudicated by the court regarding human trafficking in Tanzania. Most of the victims are always young girls and women.
This research links this situation with less knowledge about the law, lack of pro-active measures enforced by law. For instance, in every community where a reliable study has been performed, 10 to 50 % of women report being physically abused.
iv Penal Code and procedures
It is relatively straightforward on gender-based violence in many ways, including the fact that it criminalizes marital rape; Female genital mutilation is considered offensive. FGM sets young girls for early marriages. Also, they may end up dying, contracting diseases, or have a disability.
- v) Law of the Child Act.
It states the legal age of marriage and prohibits early dropouts in schools for the traditional wedding. It also says the right age to be 18 years and above.
Also, child labor is forbidden. Any person found guilty of abusing young children instead of sending them to school should be arrested and charged.
- vi) Labor and Employment Relations Act.
Employers should adhere to various guidelines while promoting equality in the workplace. Both men and women should be treated equally. There are no minimum standards required.
vii) Land and Property Act:
Spouses presumed interest in land and property is well cited. It seeks to end problems that widows are facing, for example, the inheritance of marital property
.
Other policies and strategies relevant to gender base violence include woman
gender and development policy, national design, gender development, and federal policy on research and development. These policies focus on the empowerment of women to achieve national goals and objectives. If you empower a woman or a girl, you have authorized the entire society. These policies and strategies are tools used to eliminate discrimination and enable women to access justice.