Contributions of Tanzania Police Gender Desks in Defending Women against Gender Based Violence in Tanzania. A case of the Bunda District.

Mfinanga, Hadija Rajabu (2023) Contributions of Tanzania Police Gender Desks in Defending Women against Gender Based Violence in Tanzania. A case of the Bunda District. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

The problem of gender-based violence is a world problem that exists in developed and developing countries, including Tanzania. Various measures have been taken to protect women from gender-based violence (GBVs) through enhancing women's capacities and promoting social justice through the development of social policies that can protect women from gender-based violations. This study focused on examining the role of Police Gender Affairs Desks (PGADs) in defending women against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Bunda district. The study employed a descriptive research design with a qualitative approach. Only primary data was collected through focus group discussion and an in-depth interview. 130 respondents participated. The findings revealed that PGADs provide various services, including education, counseling, management of cases related to GBVs, and collection of data and evidence. On the other hand, the study found that the main challenges that hinder effectiveness include the availability of resources such as financial and material as well as inadequate staff who dealt with these cases and an unfriendly environment for victims and survivors of GBVs. Also, the study comes up with possible measures for addressing these challenges, including the improvement of transport facilities, the allocation of an adequate budget, increasing the number of staff, improving infrastructure and office equipment, and increasing awareness by providing education in the community. It was recommended that the government allocate a significant budget to support the operations of PGADs. The community should be ready to provide evidence to police officers so as make the desks effective in addressing GBVs. Keywords: Gender-based violence, Police Gender Affairs Desks, Women Abuse, Community.

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