Gender-based violence (GBV) is a grave reality in the lives of many women in Tanzania. It results from gender norms and social and economic inequities that give privilege to men over women. There is a mounting recognition in Tanzania of gender discrimination and gender equity in different facets of life. This awakening includes a growing acknowledgement of how prevalent gender-based violence is and the ways and extent to which it harms not only women and girls but also men and boys and, furthermore, the country’s developing economy, health and social welfare systems
The 2015-2016 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS) reports that about 40% of women age 15-49 have ever experienced physical violence, while 17% have ever experienced sexual violence. Nevertheless, the experience of violence is higher among married women, particularly formerly married women.
The Organization for Community Engagement (OCE) is committed to end GBV practices through multi interventions that include but not limited to advocacy for Legal and Policy environment, and Awareness-Raising and Community Mobilization.